infringement

noun

in·​fringe·​ment in-ˈfrinj-mənt 

1

: the act of infringing : violation

2

: an encroachment or trespass on a right or privilege

Synonyms of infringement

• violation

Examples of infringement in a Sentence

any government action limiting freedom of speech is an infringement of the U.S. Constitution

Recent Examples on the Web

On Sunday, the show aired a follow-up after Buc-ee’s filed a lawsuit against Beaver’s Mini Mart of Beavercreek, Ohio, accusing it of copyright infringement over the use of a beaver as its mascot. — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026

For example, libertarians generally argue that owning guns, using illicit drugs and refusing vaccinations are individual rights that must be protected from the harm of infringement via regulation. — Jen Cole Wright, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026

Suno and its competitor Udio were sued for copyright infringement in 2024 by the RIAA on behalf of the industry’s biggest labels, including Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment. — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Suno is being sued by Universal and Sony for copyright infringement in the US, and a German court recently found the company was violating the country’s music licensing laws. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for infringement

• impingement

Legal Definition

infringement

noun

in·​fringe·​ment

: the act or an instance of infringing

especially : the unauthorized use of copyrighted or patented material or of a trademark, trade name, or trade dress see also equivalent, fair use

Note: Infringement of a trademark, trade name, or trade dress involves use of one by the infringer that is the same as that of the owner or so similar that it is likely to deceive or to cause confusion or mistake on the part of the average purchaser. Infringement of a copyright involves the copying of a material and substantial portion of the protected work. If the alleged infringer denies copying, the copyright holder may be able to prove infringement with circumstantial evidence of the infringer's access to the protected work and of similarities between the two works.