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Infringe

in-FRINJ /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/

verbC1GRESATTOEFL

formallegal

To actively break the terms of (a law, agreement, etc.); to encroach or trespass on (a right or privilege).

To 'infringe' means to violate or intrude upon a right, law, or agreement. It often implies a transgression that is not necessarily a complete destruction but rather a limitation or violation of boundaries.

The story behind the word. The word 'infringe' comes from the Latin verb 'infringere,' which meant 'to break, to break off, to damage.' It's a combination of 'in-' (meaning 'into' or 'against') and 'frangere' (meaning 'to break'). So, to infringe literally means to 'break into' or 'break against' something. This powerful imagery of breaking a barrier or a rule has carried through to its modern legal sense of violating a right or law.

Word relationships

Violate: To break or fail to comply with (a rule or formal agreement); often stronger than 'infringe'.
Transgress: To go beyond the bounds of (a moral principle or other established standard of behavior).
Encroach: To intrude on (a person's territory or a thing considered to be a right).
Trespass: To enter someone's land or property without permission.

Respect: To admire (someone or something) deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements; to abide by.
Observe: To conform to (a law, custom, or rule).
Uphold: To confirm or support (something which has been questioned).

Commonly confused with

Breach: A 'breach' is a breaking of a contract or duty, often a single act. 'Infringe' can imply a more continuous or repeated violation, especially of a right or patent.

Word family

infringement (noun): the action of breaking the terms of a law, agreement, etc.; the violation of a right, patent, or copyright.

Collocations

infringe on rights
infringe a patent
infringe copyright
infringe a treaty

Example sentences

"The new zoning regulations were challenged in court for potentially infringing on property owners' rights." Legal violations.
"Using copyrighted material without permission can infringe on the creator's intellectual property rights." Intellectual property.
"His constant questioning felt like an attempt to infringe upon her personal space and privacy." Personal boundaries.

Memory hook

To 'INFRINGE' is to 'IN'terrupt and 'FRINGE' (border) on someone's rights, breaking the boundary. Break the FRINGE.

When not to use

Do not use 'infringe' for minor annoyances or accidental bumps. It implies a more serious violation of a rule, right, or boundary, often with legal implications.

Fun facts

The Latin root 'frangere' (to break) is also found in words like 'fracture,' 'fragment,' and 'fragile.'