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

Yet Xi seems to have exploited the friendship to save Chinese smartphone manufacturer ZTE, which was facing its demise under US punishments imposed for for infringing US sanctions against North Korea and Iran. — Stephen Collinson, CNN, "The Trump presidency is a win for China," 24 May 2018 Over Kneeling Mandate On Tuesday, the NFL Players Association filed a grievance against the league, arguing that the kneeling policy infringes on players’ rights. — Vahe Gregorian, kansascity, "He’s the new KU athletic director. She’s his daughter, and a Missouri Tiger," 12 July 2018 Any individual or Club infringing the foregoing order becomes automatically and indefinitely suspended. — Charles P. Pierce, SI.com, "Trump Has Made the NFL His Punching Bag. The League’s Best Response Is Defiance," 9 July 2018 The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Kennedy’s appeal earlier this year that claimed the district infringed on his religious and personal rights. — Paige Cornwell, The Seattle Times, "Attorneys for ex-Bremerton football coach who prayed after games petition Supreme Court," 25 June 2018 Affordable Recovery then sued the city for damages, saying the city infringed its religious freedom by enforcing its sprinkler ordinance. — Ted Slowik, Daily Southtown, "Former Blue Island boarding school now a live-in recovery center for addicts with clinic, library and classrooms," 23 June 2018 In court this week, Windham argued that by requiring CSS to abandon its religious beliefs in order to care for kids, the city was infringing on its religious freedoms. — Julia Terruso, Philly.com, "Did city violate the religious freedom of Catholic Social Services when it froze its foster care contract?," 21 June 2018 The proposal would shift the responsibility for publishing copyright-infringing work online from the users of a platform to the platforms themselves. — Klint Finley, WIRED, "Europe Considers a New Copyright Law. Here's Why That Matters," 20 June 2018 Erdogan will also be able to legislate issues that do not infringe on fundamental rights of individuals, in much the same manner as Parliament can. — Umar Farooq, latimes.com, "Erdogan wins reelection as Turkey's president, claims expanded powers," 24 June 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

16 Sep 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)