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

If there’s a will to make money during the most globally significant event that only comes around twice a decade, then there’s a way to design marketing campaigns skirting the line of trademark infringement. —Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

The lawsuit was among a dozen copyright infringement complaints filed nationwide by ASCAP members against venues this week. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026

The claims included allegations of assault, battery, employment discrimination and intentional infliction of emotional distress, along with copyright infringement. —Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026

The Big 12 cites cases where government threats of retaliation, including prosecution and legal harassment, constitute an infringement of the freedom of association. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 June 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.