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

The Johnson Amendment has long been a topic of debate, with some religious broadcasters and other church-affiliated groups arguing that it infringes on their free speech rights.

From Los Angeles Times

Most of those claiming their written content has been infringed assert chiefly that the databases known to have been fed to some AI models are known to include their books or other writing.

From Los Angeles Times

The IPO said it engaged with major e-commerce stores to remove goods which infringed rights or were counterfit.

From BBC

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

But if she stays and the proposal is approved, the development would loom nearby, infringing on their privacy and tanking their home value.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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