infringe

[ɪnˈfrɪndʒ]

infringe Definition

• 1. actively break the terms of (a law, agreement, etc.)
• 2. act so as to limit or undermine (something); encroach on

Using infringe: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "infringe" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He was fined for infringing environmental regulations.

• Example

  The company's new product may infringe on existing patents.

• Example

  The construction of the new building will infringe on the park's green space.

infringe Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for infringe

• violate
• breach
• transgress
• disobey
• contravene

Antonyms for infringe

• observe
• comply with
• abide by

Phrases with infringe

• infringe on someone's rights

  to violate or encroach on someone's legal or moral entitlements

  Example

  The new law would infringe on citizens' right to privacy.

• infringe on someone's territory

  to encroach on someone's area of responsibility or expertise

  Example

  The new employee was careful not to infringe on her boss's territory.

• infringe on someone's time

  to take up too much of someone's time or attention

  Example

  The constant interruptions were starting to infringe on his work time.

Origins of infringe

from Latin 'infringere', meaning 'to break'

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Summary: infringe in Brief

The verb 'infringe' [ɪnˈfrɪndʒ] means to actively break the terms of a law or agreement, or to limit or undermine something. It is often used in legal contexts, such as 'He was fined for infringing environmental regulations,' and can also refer to encroaching on someone's rights, territory, or time. Synonyms include 'violate' and 'breach.'