Infringe: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.