infringe

verb

in·​fringe in-ˈfrinj 

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

Synonyms of infringe

• violate
• break

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

Cantelmo said the moratorium is not intended to be applied in a way that would infringe on any student's right to exercise freedom of religion, speech or peaceful assembly. — Jared Ochacher, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

The conservative commentator argued that treating movies differently because of their subject matter infringed on filmmakers’ constitutional rights. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026

The Knicks join other sports businesses, including the NBA and NASCAR, in using federal court to try to stop the flow of counterfeit goods that allegedly infringe trademarks. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Oct. 2026

The companies also argue that these lawsuits infringe on the federal government’s exclusive authority over foreign affairs. — Patrick Parenteau, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for infringe

• impinge
• syringe
• binge
• cringe
• fringe
• hinge
• singe
• tinge
• twinge

Kids Definition

infringe

verb

in·​fringe in-ˈfrinj 

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 

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 infringed

—U.S. Constitution amend. II

especially : to violate a holder's rights under (a copyright, patent, trademark, or trade name)

intransitive verb

: encroach

infringer noun

Etymology

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