infringe

verb in·fringe \ in-ˈfrinj \

Updated on: 13 May 2018

Definition of infringe

infringed; infringing

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

—

infringer

noun

See infringe defined for English-language learners

See infringe defined for kids

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 of infringe from the Web

The app was banned by Russia's communication watchdog last month over an encryption dispute, prompting an outcry from many Russians who felt the government was infringing on the free Internet.

— NBC News, "Protesters detained as thousands rally against Putin's government," 5 May 2018
In making their requests, Trump and Cohen contend that the Justice Department policy is unfair and infringes on constitutional protections.

— Anchorage Daily News, "Trump lawyer did legal work for Fox News commentator Sean Hannity," 16 Apr. 2018
The right of the people to keep and bear Arms when serving in the militia shall not be infringed.

— matt ford, The New Republic, "Retired Supreme Court justice calls for a repeal of the Second Amendment.," 27 Mar. 2018
By entering, Entrant warrants that his or her entry (1) is original and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party, (2) has not been published in any medium or (3) has not won an award.

— Sunset, "Win a Bedroom Refresh from Rough Linen!," 22 Jan. 2018
Google has been increasing its anti-piracy efforts in recent years, banning terms from autocomplete and making changes to its search algorithms in order to demote copyright-infringing material.

— dani deahl, The Verge, "Google removes ‘Kodi’ from search autocomplete in anti-piracy effort," 29 Mar. 2018
The key phrase is 'shall not be infringed' - the gun rights absolutists have driven our interpretation of this phrase to mean 'shall never be managed or regulated in ANY way by any community'.

— james fallows, The Atlantic, "As Students 'March for Our Lives,' What Are the Feasible Aims for Gun Control?," 25 Mar. 2018
For decades the population of songbirds has fallen as development has infringed on their habitats.

— barbara boyer, Philly.com, "As bluebirds flock to South Jersey, groups work to make their locations feel like home," 5 Feb. 2018
At no point has this policy infringed upon the city’s commitment to UCH’s timeline or our obligation to review and forward recommendations to the Planning Commission in a timely manner.

— staff report, The Aegis, "Havre de Grace medical facilities site review canceled after plan is withdrawn," 11 Apr. 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of infringe

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1513

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of 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

INFRINGE Defined for English Language Learners

infringe

verb

Definition of infringe for English Language Learners

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