infringe

[ in-frinj ]
See synonyms for infringe on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object),in·fringed, in·fring·ing.
  1. to commit a breach or infraction of; violate or transgress: to infringe a copyright; to infringe a rule.

verb (used without object),in·fringed, in·fring·ing.
  1. to encroach or trespass (usually followed by on or upon): Don't infringe on his privacy.

Origin of infringe

1
First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin infringere “to break, weaken,” equivalent to in- in-2 + -fringere, combining form of frangere “to break”; akin to break

synonym study For infringe

2. See trespass.

Other words for infringe

Other words from infringe

  • in·fring·er, noun

Words that may be confused with infringe

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use infringe in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for infringe

infringe

/ (ɪnˈfrɪndʒ) /


verb
  1. (tr) to violate or break (a law, an agreement, etc)

  2. (intr; foll by on or upon) to encroach or trespass

Origin of infringe

1
C16: from Latin infringere to break off, from frangere to break

Derived forms of infringe

  • infringement, noun
  • infringer, noun

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