infringe

verb

in·​fringe in-ˈfrinj How to pronounce infringe (audio)
infringed; infringing

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
infringer noun
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 Cookies, for example, have long been criticized for infringing on user privacy. Gary Drenik, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 Automattic later alleged that WP Engine was infringing on WordPress and WooCommerce trademarks, and demanded eight percent of the company’s monthly revenue as royalty payment. Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 3 Oct. 2024 California’s unconstitutional law infringing on your freedom of speech has been blocked by the court. Andi Shae Napier, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 3 Oct. 2024 The introduction of Caption AI comes as the Hollywood studios, while wanting to protect their libraries of movies and TV series against AI companies infringing on their copyright ownership, also want to reduce time and costs by having content creators use new AI tools in their production pipelines. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for infringe 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'infringe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin infringere, from Latin, to break, crush, from in- + frangere to break — more at break

First Known Use

1513, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of infringe was in 1513

Dictionary Entries Near infringe

Cite this Entry

“Infringe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infringe. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

infringe

verb
in·​fringe in-ˈfrinj How to pronounce infringe (audio)
infringed; infringing
1
: to fail to obey or act in agreement with : violate
infringe a treaty
2
: encroach sense 1
infringe on a person's rights
infringement
-mənt
noun
infringer noun

Legal Definition

infringe

verb
in·​fringe in-ˈfrinj How to pronounce infringe (audio)
infringed; infringing

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 infringedU.S. Constitution amend. II
especially : to violate a holder's rights under (a copyright, patent, trademark, or trade name)
infringer noun
Etymology

Medieval Latin infringere, from Latin, to break, crush, from in- in + frangere to break

More from Merriam-Webster on infringe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!