infringe

[ in-frinj ]

verb (used with object)

, in·fringed, in·fring·ing.

1. to commit a breach or infraction of; violate or transgress:

   to infringe a copyright; to infringe a rule.

   Synonyms: break, disobey

verb (used without object)

, in·fringed, in·fring·ing.

1. to encroach or trespass (usually followed by on or upon ):

   Don't infringe on his privacy.

   Synonyms: poach

infringe

/ ɪnˈfrɪndʒ /

verb

1. tr to violate or break (a law, an agreement, etc)
2. intr; foll by on or upon to encroach or trespass

Derived Forms

• inˈfringement, noun
• inˈfringer, noun

Other Words From

• in·fring·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of infringe¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin infringere “to break, weaken,” equivalent to in- in- ² + -fringere, combining form of frangere “to break”; akin to break

Word History and Origins

Origin of infringe¹

C16: from Latin infringere to break off, from frangere to break

Synonym Study

See trespass.

Example Sentences

I recall being taught that those laws were a big mistake perpetrated by an infant republic, unduly empowering the president to infringe on civil liberties.

From Los Angeles Times

They acknowledged that a proposed ban on “hurting Chinese people’s feelings” could “infringe upon the legitimate rights and normal life of the public”.

From BBC

“We have a right to pursue life, liberty and happiness, whatever that may look like, as long as it doesn’t infringe on someone else’s ability to do the same,” Ochoa Bogh said of her stance on LGBTQ+ rights.

From Los Angeles Times

He is promoting conservative Catholic values that frequently infringe upon the freedom of others.

From Slate

Those plaintiffs argued that the bans not only discriminate on the basis of sex and transgender status in violation of the equal protection clause but also infringe on fundamental parental rights protected under the due process clause.

From Slate

Related Words

• breach
• contravene
• disobey
• encroach
• impose
• intrude
• meddle
• offend
• trespass