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Infringe: meaning, definitions and examples

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infringe

 

[ɪnˈfrɪndʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

legal

Actively break the terms of (a law, agreement, etc.). To encroach or trespass upon. To violate or transgress.

Synonyms

breach, disobey, transgress, trespass, violate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infringe

Used when someone breaks a law or rule, usually in a legal or formal setting. It often implies a violation of someone's rights.

  • Copying someone else's work without permission can infringe copyright laws.
  • Using company resources for personal gain may infringe the company's policies.
violate

Can be used both formally and informally to describe breaking laws, rules, or even social expectations. Often implies a severe or serious nature.

  • The company violated environmental regulations by dumping waste into the river.
  • He felt that his privacy was violated when someone read his personal messages.
breach

Commonly used in formal and legal contexts to refer to breaking a promise, contract, or agreement.

  • Leaking classified information is a serious breach of national security.
  • Failing to deliver the goods on time was a breach of contract.
disobey

Used when someone does not follow commands, rules, or instructions, often in a personal or everyday context.

  • The children were punished because they disobeyed their teacher.
  • He chose to disobey his parents and go to the party anyway.
transgress

More formal term, often used in religious or moral contexts to describe overstepping boundaries or doing something wrong.

  • He feared he might transgress the moral code of his community.
  • Transgressing the laws of nature can have dire consequences.
trespass

Specific to unlawfully entering or staying on someone else's property. Can have legal implications.

  • The hunters were caught trespassing on private land.
  • Trespassing on government property is a punishable offence.

Examples of usage

  • He was fined $500 for infringing copyright laws.
  • The company was found guilty of infringing on patents.
  • She was warned not to infringe on the neighbor's property.
  • The new regulations will make it harder for companies to infringe on environmental laws.
  • If you continue to infringe on our rights, we will take legal action.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To actively break or fail to comply with (a rule, code of conduct, etc.). To intrude on or interfere with something.

Synonyms

contravene, disobey, interfere, intrude, violate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infringe

When someone breaks a law or someone's rights, especially intellectual property or personal freedoms.

  • Copying that film without permission would infringe copyright.
  • His actions infringed on her privacy.
violate

Refers to breaking a law, rule, or agreement; also used when disrespecting personal boundaries or moral principles. Commonly has a strong negative connotation.

  • He was arrested for violating the terms of his parole.
  • The privacy of the users was violated by the security breach.
disobey

Used when someone does not follow an order, rule or command, often within a hierarchical relationship such as between a parent and child, or an employee and employer.

  • The soldier was punished for disobeying orders.
  • Children often disobey their parents when they are young.
contravene

Used in formal settings to convey violation of regulations or laws, often in a legal or formal document context.

  • The company's actions contravened environmental laws.
  • He was penalized because his behavior contravened the code of conduct.
intrude

Often used when someone enters a place or situation where they are not welcome or wanted, typically uninvited; generally has a negative connotation.

  • I hate to intrude, but I need to ask you something important.
  • The reporters intruded on their private moment.
interfere

Plays a role when someone meddles in activities or affairs that are not their concern; can have a neutral to negative connotation.

  • She didn't want anyone to interfere with her plans.
  • Please do not interfere with the work being done here.

Examples of usage

  • He tends to infringe on other people's personal space.
  • She didn't mean to infringe on your privacy.
  • Please try not to infringe on the designated smoking areas.
  • If you infringe on the company's policies, you may face consequences.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Derived from the Latin word 'infringere,' meaning 'to break' or 'to weaken.'
  • The term began to be used in English around the early 17th century, originally relating to breaking or violating agreements.

Law

  • Commonly used in legal contexts, particularly regarding copyright, where breaking the rules can lead to serious consequences.
  • Infringement can occur in many areas, including patents, trademarks, and personal rights, highlighting the need for respect for others’ properties.

Social Norms

  • Infringement is often related to personal space and boundaries; violating these is generally considered rude or disrespectful.
  • Cultural contexts can influence what actions are seen as infringements or acceptable behavior.

Psychology

  • Famous studies show that people are more likely to infringe upon social norms when they perceive others are also violating them.
  • Understanding why individuals infringe can involve exploring motivations like social conformity or personal gain.

Technology

  • With the rise of the internet, infringement issues have increased, especially regarding digital content and intellectual property.
  • Many online platforms have strict policies to prevent infringement to protect users' rights and maintain a safe environment.

Translations

Translations of the word "infringe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 infringir

🇮🇳 उल्लंघन करना

🇩🇪 verletzen

🇮🇩 melanggar

🇺🇦 порушувати

🇵🇱 naruszać

🇯🇵 侵害する

🇫🇷 enfreindre

🇪🇸 infringir

🇹🇷 ihlal etmek

🇰🇷 침해하다

🇸🇦 انتهاك

🇨🇿 porušit

🇸🇰 porušiť

🇨🇳 侵犯

🇸🇮 kršiti

🇮🇸 brjóta

🇰🇿 бұзу

🇬🇪 დარღვევა

🇦🇿 pozmaq

🇲🇽 infringir

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,562, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.