infringement
in-FRINJ-munt
/ɪnˈfrɪndʒ.mənt/
An action that breaks a law, rule, or agreement, or encroaches upon a right or freedom.
Denotes a violation of legal rights, intellectual property, or constitutional boundaries.
The story behind the word. Formed from Latin 'infringere' (to break into, fracture), combining 'in-' (into) and 'frangere' (to break—the root of fraction and fragile). The word evolved from physical breaking to the breaking of boundaries, statutes, and rights.
Word relationships
- violation: Violation is broader and can apply to physical force or etiquette, whereas infringement heavily implies legal rights or IP boundaries.
- encroachment: Encroachment implies gradual intrusion into another's territory or rights.
- compliance: Compliance is adhering to rules and legal standards.
- observance: Observance means keeping or respecting laws and rights.
Commonly confused with
- infraction: An infraction is a minor breach of a rule or ordinance; an infringement often involves property rights or constitutional liberties.
Word family
- infringe (verb): To encroach upon or break a agreement or right.
- infringer (noun): A person who violates a right or patent.
Collocations
- copyright infringement
- patent infringement
- infringement of rights
- gross infringement
Idioms & expressions
- step over the line
Example sentences
- "It can hardly be argued that students shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate; any unjust restriction is a clear infringement." Constitutional jurisprudence
- "The artist sued the corporation for copyright infringement after they used her sculpture design in an advertisement without permission." Intellectual property
Memory hook
IN + FRINGE (border edge) = stepping across the edge into illegal territory. Breaking through the border of rights.
When not to use
Avoid using for physical assault; it specifically denotes rights, boundaries, and regulations.
Fun facts
- Copyright infringement of digital software was first legally prosecuted in the 1980s when software code was classified as literary work.
Also appears in
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