infringe

American  

[in-frinj] / ɪnˈfrɪndʒ /

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

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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 British  

/ ɪnˈfrɪndʒ /

verb

1. (tr) to violate or break (a law, an agreement, etc)

2. (intr; foll by on or upon) to encroach or trespass

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Related Words

See trespass.

Other Word Forms

• infringement noun
• infringer noun

Etymology

Origin of infringe

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

Example Sentences

The International Trade Commission is probing whether Apple’s redesigned watches fall within a limited exclusion order issued in 2023 prohibiting the importation of infringing devices.

From Barron's

“It’s our right to say that they are now infringing on our brand,” said Bradley, who met Bartlett four years ago when Bartlett coached his son.

From The Wall Street Journal

Analysts said India’s infrastructure push increases the chance of a conflict, as the two countries accuse each other of infringing on sovereign territory.

From The Wall Street Journal

Now they sell AI-created images with the guarantee that these don’t infringe copyrights.

From The Wall Street Journal

Disney’s letter accused Google of “infringing Disney’s copyrights on a massive scale.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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