infringe

[in-frinj]

verb (used with object)

infringed, infringing 

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)

infringed, infringing 

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

   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

Other Word Forms

• infringement noun
• infringer 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

But Risa Lieberwitz, head of the Worker Institute at Cornell University, said public figures could be infringing on free speech rights if they call for accountability over posts about Kirk.

From BBC

The petitioners say the law infringes on the rights of the Muslim community.

From BBC

South Korea has expressed "strong regret" to the US and has officially asked that its citizens' rights and interests are not infringed during law enforcement proceedings, said a presidential spokesperson on Monday.

From BBC

"The economic activities of Korean investment companies and the rights and interests of Korean citizens must not be unfairly infringed upon during US law enforcement operations," the foreign ministry statement said.

From BBC

“Midjourney is blatantly and purposefully infringing copyrighted works, and we filed this suit to protect our content, our partners, and our investments.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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