infringe

verb
in·​fringe | \ in-ˈfrinj How to pronounce infringe (audio) \
infringed; infringing

Definition of infringe

transitive verb

1 : to encroach upon in a way that violates law or the rights of another infringe a patent
2 obsolete : defeat, frustrate

intransitive verb

: encroach used with on or upon infringe on our rights

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Other Words from infringe

infringer noun

Choose the Right Synonym for infringe

trespass, encroach, infringe, invade mean to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another. trespass implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion. hunters trespassing on farmland encroach suggests gradual or stealthy entrance upon another's territory or usurpation of another's rights or possessions. the encroaching settlers displacing the native peoples infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative. infringing a copyright invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another. accused of invading their privacy

Examples of infringe in a Sentence

They claim that his use of the name infringes their copyright. Her rights must not be infringed.

Recent Examples on the Web

But those efforts are also running into trouble from conservatives, who worry about due process and infringing on gun owners' rights. NBC News, "Hundreds of mayors urge Senate to return for gun bill vote," 8 Aug. 2019 But those efforts are also running into trouble from conservatives, who worry about due process and infringing on gun owners' rights. CBS News, "Over 200 mayors push Senate leaders to return to Washington to act on gun reform," 8 Aug. 2019 But LaFleur, by heterosexualizing the Buttigiegs based on their appearance, regressively polices their behavior and infringes on this right. Charles Dunst, The New Republic, "No, the Buttigiegs Are Not Straight," 18 June 2019 Yet some people insist the Constitution means the right to jokes cannot be infringed. Trevor Fraser, orlandosentinel.com, "Experimental theater gets the spotlight in Central Florida," 19 June 2019 But both were shut down after drawing criticism for infringing on privacy and violating Apple’s App Store guidelines. Rachel Lerman, The Denver Post, "Facebook launching app that pays users for data on app usage," 16 June 2019 But both were shut down after drawing criticism for infringing on privacy, and one was cited for violating Apple's App Store terms of agreement. CBS News, "Facebook will pay users for info on their app usage," 11 June 2019 The chip maker has responded by suing Apple for infringing on Qualcomm patents in the U.S., China and Germany. Tripp Mickle, WSJ, "Apple Hit With Sales Ban on Older iPhones in China," 10 Dec. 2018 Shares of Indivior sank 3% in Friday trading after a federal appellate court upheld lower court rulings finding that generic makers of the opioid addiction treatment Suboxone did not infringe on a number of Indivior’s patents. Sy Mukherjee, Fortune, "Johnson & Johnson to Test a Pioneering HIV Vaccine: Brainstorm Health," 12 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'infringe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of infringe

1513, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for infringe

Medieval Latin infringere, from Latin, to break, crush, from in- + frangere to break — more at break

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Statistics for infringe

Last Updated

19 Aug 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for infringe

The first known use of infringe was in 1513

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More Definitions for infringe

infringe

verb

English Language Learners Definition of infringe

: to do something that does not obey or follow (a rule, law, etc.)
: to wrongly limit or restrict (something, such as another person's rights)

infringe

verb
in·​fringe | \ in-ˈfrinj How to pronounce infringe (audio) \
infringed; infringing

Kids Definition of infringe

1 : to fail to obey or act in agreement with : violate infringe a law
2 : to go further than is right or fair to another : encroach

Other Words from infringe

infringement \ -​mənt \ noun

infringe

verb
in·​fringe | \ in-ˈfrinj How to pronounce infringe (audio) \
infringed; infringing

Legal Definition of infringe

transitive verb

: to encroach upon in a way that violates law or the rights of another the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringedU.S. Constitution amend. II especially : to violate a holder's rights under (a copyright, patent, trademark, or trade name)

Other Words from infringe

infringer noun

History and Etymology for infringe

Medieval Latin infringere, from Latin, to break, crush, from in- in + frangere to break

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More from Merriam-Webster on infringe

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with infringe

Spanish Central: Translation of infringe

Nglish: Translation of infringe for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of infringe for Arabic Speakers

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