infringe

verb

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

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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In his dissent on the ballroom construction, Roberts wrote that the project – which has not been approved by Congress – probably infringes on lawmakers’ ability to control federal spending and to regulate federal property. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 There are several laws and regulatory agencies that might see the use of fake accounts—by scammers, advertisers, or even their mere existence on Meta’s platforms—as potentially infringing the law. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 The court also held that MiniMax may be held directly liable for infringing uses created by its customers. — Schuyler Moore, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 The publishers are claiming $150,000 per work infringed, across tens of thousands of works, meaning potentially well over a billion in damages if the case successful. — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for infringe

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of infringe was in 1533

Rhymes for infringe

See All Rhymes for infringe

Browse Nearby Words

infrigidate
infringe
infringement
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Infringe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infringe. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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 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

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