infringe

verb

in·​fringe in-ˈfrinj How to pronounce infringe (audio)
infringed; infringing

transitive verb

1
: to encroach upon in a way that violates law or the rights of another
infringe a patent
2
obsolete : defeat, frustrate

intransitive verb

: encroach
used with on or upon
infringe on our rights
infringer noun
Choose the Right Synonym for infringe

trespass, encroach, infringe, invade mean to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another.

trespass implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion.

hunters trespassing on farmland

encroach suggests gradual or stealthy entrance upon another's territory or usurpation of another's rights or possessions.

the encroaching settlers displacing the native peoples

infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.

infringing a copyright

invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.

accused of invading their privacy

Examples of infringe in a Sentence

They claim that his use of the name infringes their copyright. Her rights must not be infringed.
Recent Examples on the Web Tribes across the region contend that the oil pipeline is infringing on tribal sovereignty and treaty rights, and have urged the Biden administration to speak out against the pipeline. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2024 In 2022, five Black residents filed a federal lawsuit requesting a restraining order against the Lexington Police Department to prevent officers from infringing upon citizens' constitutional rights. USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2024 Verification processes must be secure and not infringe on user privacy. Guy Tytunovich, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 All of that infringes on our personal freedom without our knowledge. Bradley Brownell / Jalopnik, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2024 Forcing stricter rules for responsible gun owners is unreasonable and infringes on their right to protect themselves. The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2024 One party, and not the other, has a presumptive presidential candidate who threatens to punish any school that infringes on parental rights by requiring immunizations. Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2024 There is concern that this action infringes upon civil liberties. Terence McGinley, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 In the meantime, Judge Moreno said that Legacy Reunion would be barred from doing anything that would infringe Earth, Wind & Fire’s trademarks. Bill Donahue, Billboard, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'infringe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin infringere, from Latin, to break, crush, from in- + frangere to break — more at break

First Known Use

1513, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of infringe was in 1513

Dictionary Entries Near infringe

Cite this Entry

“Infringe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infringe. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

infringe

verb
in·​fringe in-ˈfrinj How to pronounce infringe (audio)
infringed; infringing
1
: to fail to obey or act in agreement with : violate
infringe a treaty
2
: encroach sense 1
infringe on a person's rights
infringement
-mənt
noun
infringer noun

Legal Definition

infringe

verb
in·​fringe in-ˈfrinj How to pronounce infringe (audio)
infringed; infringing

transitive verb

: to encroach upon in a way that violates law or the rights of another
the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringedU.S. Constitution amend. II
especially : to violate a holder's rights under (a copyright, patent, trademark, or trade name)
infringer noun
Etymology

Medieval Latin infringere, from Latin, to break, crush, from in- in + frangere to break

More from Merriam-Webster on infringe

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