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

• infringer noun
• infringement 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

In June, Disney and Comcast’s Universal Pictures sued AI company Midjourney, alleging that its image generator infringed on its copyrighted characters from franchises such as “Star Wars” and “Despicable Me.”

From Los Angeles Times

The law could draw legal challenges over whether the bill infringes on federal law.

From Los Angeles Times

“Los Angeles County may not like that right, but the Constitution does not allow them to infringe upon it,” Bondi said.

From Los Angeles Times

The CMA also said it had not made any findings about whether consumer law was infringed.

From BBC

“Doing so may infringe on First Amendment-protected free speech — belonging to an ideological group in and of itself is not a crime in the United States.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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