infringe

verb

in·fringe | \in-ˈfrinj

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

Other Words from infringe Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about infringe

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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

The questions from lawmakers come amid a broader scrutiny from Capitol Hill into how the underlying, everyday practices of technology companies may infringe on Americans' privacy. — Washington Post, latimes.com, "Lawmakers press Apple and Google on how they track and listen to smartphone users," 9 July 2018 Justice Elena Kagan in her dissent joined by the three other liberals invokes various policy rationales for upholding agency fees, but none warrants infringing workers’ fundamental First Amendment rights. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "The Supreme Court’s Banner Year," 27 June 2018 Please also note that, pursuant to Section 512(f) of the Copyright Act, any person who knowingly materially misrepresents that material or activity is infringing may be subject to liability. — sandiegouniontribune.com, "San Diego Union-Tribune Terms of Service," 25 June 2018 Instead, they are required only to remove infringing material once it is brought to their attention. — Adam Satariano, New York Times, "Tech Giants Win a Battle Over Copyright Rules in Europe," 5 July 2018 Entry cannot defame or invade publicity rights or privacy of any person, living or deceased, or otherwise infringe upon any person's personal or proprietary rights including but not limited to copyrights or trademarks. — CNN, "OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS," 12 June 2018 While agents observed the storage facility, a large air courier box truck arrived to unload suspected trademark infringed merchandise to waiting pickup trucks and vans. — Houston Chronicle, "Feds say counterfeit items worth $16 million seized in Laredo," 21 May 2018 What does shall not infringe on the people’s right to bear arms mean? — Gray Rohrer, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Gov. Scott not attending NRA convention," 3 May 2018 No nudity, violence, pornography, unlawful, hateful or infringing imagery. — Victoria Rodriguez, Seventeen, "Here's Everything You Need to Know About Petra Collins, Selena Gomez's BFF," 16 Mar. 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.

History and Etymology for infringe

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

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

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Dictionary Entries near infringe

in/from the depths of someone's heart/soul/being

in front

Statistics for infringe

Last Updated

14 Oct 2018

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.) ( chiefly US )

: to wrongly limit or restrict (something, such as another person's rights)

See the full definition for infringe in the English Language Learners Dictionary

infringe

verb

in·fringe | \in-ˈfrinj

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

infringe

verb

in·fringe | \in-ˈfrinj

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 infringed — U.S. Constitution amend. II especially : to violate a holder's rights under (a copyright, patent, trademark, or trade name)