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

Later that year, Roper sued them over unpaid royalties, trademark infringement, fraud, and breach of contract. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2026

Alcorn calls it intentional copyright infringement and brand misappropriation. —Andrea Guzmán, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026

The framework now chosen must address significant constitutional and European legal concerns and avoid serious infringements on entrepreneurial freedom of decision-making, program design and supply. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026

In contrast with classical standards once popular in figure skating, like Swan Lake, modern pop music is largely composed by artists who are still living and earning royalties, and can bring claims for copyright infringement. —Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 3 Feb. 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.