The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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infringe

verb

/ɪnˈfrɪn(d)ʒ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of infringe

To violate or encroach upon a law, rule, right, or boundary, often resulting in a breach of established standards or limits.
"This new legislation could potentially infringe on our civil liberties."

Detailed meaning of infringe

When one 'infringes' upon something, they disregard the prescribed limits or regulations, thereby undermining or compromising its intended purpose or the rights associated with it. This term is frequently used in legal contexts to describe actions that undermine copyright, patents, or other intellectual property rights, as well as actions that violate personal rights or freedoms. 'Infringe' implies a transgression or violation that may lead to legal consequences, and it highlights the importance of respecting boundaries and rules in various domains, from law and ethics to personal relationships.

Example sentences containing infringe

1. Your loud music might infringe on your neighbors' peace.
2. The development projects must not infringe on protected habitats.
3. Be careful that your actions do not infringe on company policy.
4. The large construction nearby started to infringe on our view of the sea.
5. Unauthorized use of the software can infringe on the company's copyright.
6. His overbearing behavior began to infringe on her personal space.

History and etymology of infringe

The verb 'infringe' has its etymological roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'infringere,' which is a combination of 'in' (meaning 'in' or 'on') and 'frangere' (meaning 'to break' or 'to shatter'). In Latin, 'infringere' conveyed the idea of breaking or violating something, often in a physical sense. Over time, as the concept of laws, rules, and boundaries became more prevalent in human societies, the term 'infringe' extended its meaning to describe the act of violating or encroaching upon a law, rule, right, or boundary, resulting in a breach of established standards or limits. The etymology of 'infringe' underscores its historical association with the notion of breaking or violating established norms, making it a key term in discussions of legal and ethical boundaries.

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Further usage examples of infringe

1. Any attempt to infringe upon the rights of citizens is highly unacceptable.
2. This policy seems to infringe on our freedom of speech.
3. It is not ethical to infringe on another person's right to safety.
4. Will these new regulations infringe on the rights of small business owners?
5. One must consider how their actions may infringe on others' comfort.
6. The government's new surveillance measures threaten to infringe on our privacy.
7. Her constant interruptions started to infringe on his time to speak.
8. His relentless questioning began to infringe on my personal boundaries.
9. Posting unauthorized content online can infringe on intellectual property rights.
10. It is unlawful to infringe on someone else's trademark.
11. Encroaching construction projects can infringe on natural habitats.
12. The constant noise from the street began to infringe on our quiet evening at home.
13. Parking in the fire lane will infringe upon safety regulations.
14. Using copyrighted content without permission can infringe on intellectual property rights.
15. The new policy should not infringe on employees' privacy.
16. Protests must be peaceful and not infringe on public order.
17. The company's actions could infringe on environmental regulations.
18. Laws are in place to prevent individuals from infringing on others' freedoms.
19. The agreement explicitly states that neither party should infringe on each other's territory.
20. His comments seemed to infringe upon her personal space.
21. The court ruled that the government's actions did not infringe on the constitution.
22. Social media platforms have policies against users who infringe on community guidelines.
23. The organization's actions could potentially infringe on civil liberties.
24. It's essential to respect boundaries and not infringe on others' personal boundaries.