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

Rakoff previously dismissed Gray’s claim of joint authorship, but allowed the copyright infringement claim to advance to discovery. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026

China and Russia issued statements condemning the action as an infringement on Venezuela’s sovereignty, while several European leaders urged restraint and called for clarification. —Richard Hall, Time, 3 Jan. 2026

So to avoid infringement, any reuse would need to steer clear of her newer characteristics. —Leo Rocha, CBS News, 1 Jan. 2026

Gęsicka creates images using descriptions found in entries for nonexistent animals, people, places, and events that were included in reference works as a means of revealing copyright infringement. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

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.