Verb

verwirken

Translation

to forfeit, to lose

Er hat sein Recht auf die Erbschaft verwirkt.

He has forfeited his right to the inheritance.

Durch sein Verhalten hat er jede Chance verwirkt.

Through his behaviour, he has forfeited every chance.

((sth.)) to forfeit sth. He has forfeited his right.

verlieren (to lose), einbüßen (to forfeit)

From 'ver-' (prefix indicating something going wrong or away) + 'wirken' (to work, to have an effect). The effect 'works away' or is negated.

Think of 'ver-' as 'for-' in 'forfeit'. You did something wrong, so your rights don't 'work' ('wirken') anymore.