infringe

[ in-frinj ]

/ ɪnˈfrɪndʒ /

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See synonyms for: infringe / infringing / infringer on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), in·fringed, in·fring·ing.

to commit a breach or infraction of; violate or transgress: to infringe a copyright; to infringe a rule.

verb (used without object), in·fringed, in·fring·ing.

to encroach or trespass (usually followed by on or upon): Don't infringe on his privacy.

OTHER WORDS FOR infringe

1 break, disobey.

2 poach.

See synonyms for infringe on Thesaurus.com

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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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

synonym study for infringe

2. See trespass.

OTHER WORDS FROM infringe

in·fring·er, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH infringe

infringe , impinge

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use infringe in a sentence

A domestic terrorist designation could be used to clamp down on political dissidents and suppress demonstrations, potentially infringing on free speech rights.
Labeling groups like the Proud Boys “domestic terrorists” won’t fix anything|Nicole Narea|February 19, 2021|Vox
Boebert responded that the Democrats were infringing on her constitutional rights.
Rep. Lauren Boebert displays guns in background during virtual House committee hearing|Colby Itkowitz|February 19, 2021|Washington Post
Republican lawmakers made similar arguments during an emotional House debate in 2019, saying the bill infringes on the rights of people whose faith-based convictions are opposed to same-sex marriage or other LGBTQ rights.
Equality Act introduced in House to provide sweeping LGBTQ protections|Samantha Schmidt|February 18, 2021|Washington Post
When you’re infringing on other people’s rights, then you no longer have those rights.
I Am a Heroin User. I Do Not Have a Drug Problem - Issue 96: Rewired|Mark MacNamara|February 17, 2021|Nautilus

You can also be denied for affiliation with any group that holds anti-government views or advocates forceful action that seeks to overthrow the government or that could infringe on others’ constitutional rights.
Tucker Carlson stands up for QAnon supporters|Aaron Blake|January 26, 2021|Washington Post
The delay was translated as meaning lack of confidence; and the alert infringer grew strong in courage and capital.
Edison, His Life and Inventions|Frank Lewis Dyer and Thomas Commerford Martin
Hence the infringer could imitate the patented design without liability, and the law was a nullity.
Scientific American, Volume 56, No. 9, February 26, 1887|Various
Pirated copies might be seized (art. 13) in any of the countries, without prejudice to other punishment of the infringer.
Copyright: Its History and Its Law|Richard Rogers Bowker
You are an innocent infringer; you can go right along and dispose of the books.
Arguments before the Committee on Patents of the House of Representatives, conjointly with the Senate Committee on Patents, on H.R. 19853, to amend and consolidate the acts respecting copyright|United States Committee on Patents
It does not seem proper under such circumstances to hold him to be a willful infringer and guilty of a misdemeanor.
Arguments before the Committee on Patents of the House of Representatives, conjointly with the Senate Committee on Patents, on H.R. 19853, to amend and consolidate the acts respecting copyright|United States Committee on Patents

British Dictionary definitions for infringe

infringe

/ (ɪnˈfrɪndʒ) /

verb

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

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

Derived forms of infringe

infringement, nouninfringer, noun

Word Origin for infringe

C16: from Latin infringere to break off, from frangere to break

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

infringe

OTHER WORDS FOR infringe

Origin of infringe

synonym study for infringe

OTHER WORDS FROM infringe

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH infringe

Words related to infringe

How to use infringe in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for infringe

Derived forms of infringe

Word Origin for infringe