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

• violation
• offence

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

There is a presumption of irreparable harm, Brann noted, after a finding of trademark infringement. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025

None of the infringement lawsuits in which he was named went to trial. —Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025

The publications have argued that such content has been used without consent or payment — which translates to copyright infringement on a massive scale. —Leonard Greene, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025

Alsup ordered a trial in December to determine damages, which can reach up to $150,000 per case of willful copyright infringement. —Lauren Harvey, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 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.