How does the verb infringe differ from other similar words?
Some common synonyms of infringe are encroach, invade, and trespass. While all these words mean "to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another," infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.
infringing a copyright
When is it sensible to use encroach instead of infringe?
In some situations, the words encroach and infringe are roughly equivalent. However, 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
When can invade be used instead of infringe?
While in some cases nearly identical to infringe, invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.
accused of invading their privacy
When might trespass be a better fit than infringe?
The synonyms trespass and infringe are sometimes interchangeable, but trespass implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion.
hunters trespassing on farmland
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of infringeBut the tech remains controversial, perhaps complicating the grieving process while threatening to infringe upon the privacy of the deceased, whose data could still be vulnerable to manipulation or identity theft.—ArsTechnica, 13 June 2025 Meanwhile, Musk’s X in April filed a separate suit against Minnesota over a similar measure, contending that the law infringes on constitutional rights and violates federal and state free speech protections.—Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 The next idea, being that the plaintiff should be allowed to voluntarily dismiss the infringing cause of action after the special motion was filed, was similarly rejected.—Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025 The plan isn’t to infringe on the audience who bought tickets a long time ago, insists Clooney.—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for infringe
Its Senate passage could come as soon as Monday after days of delay due to the parliamentarian, a nonpartisan Senate rules referee, determining that dozens of provisions violated the Byrd Rule.
—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
29 June 2025
The family of 17-year-old Victor Perez, an autistic teenager who was shot nine times by police officers in Idaho earlier this year, is suing the Pocatello Police Department (PPD) over claims that officers violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
However, reality can’t help but impinge on daily life.
—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2025
The school counters that the government has no right to impinge on its academic freedom and independence, especially its emphasis on diversity and tolerance.
Whether Baghdad would risk firing these at intruding IAF jets that are not actively attacking targets on its territory is doubtful, given the crushing retaliation doing so would likely incur.
—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2025
Critics argue the technology intrudes on civil rights and fear that the federal government could muscle access to local surveillance systems despite local laws barring such.
—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 June 2025
Today, it is firmly entrenched as a historic turning point in American cinema, dissected in film courses, and beloved by filmmakers and audiences alike.
—
Mark Hughes,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
Iran and Israel are entrenched in their respective positions.
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