ə̇nˈfrinj verb
( -ed/ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin infringere to break, break off, weaken, destroy, from in- in- (II) + -fringere (from frangere to break) — more at break
transitive verb
1. obsolete
a. : to break down : destroy
b. : defeat , frustrate
c. : confute , refute
d. : impair , weaken
2. : to commit a breach of
infringe the peace
: neglect to fulfill or obey : violate , transgress
infringe a treaty
infringe an edict
infringe a contract
infringe a patent
infringe a copyright
both these limits of gradient and curve must be infringed to reach the plateau — James Bird
the statute … would infringe fundamental principles — O.W.Holmes †1935
intransitive verb
: encroach , trespass — used with on or upon
where the siesta is no catnap and a ten-o'clock dinner practically infringes on tea time — Claudia Cassidy
Synonyms: see trespass