infringe

[in-frinj] /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/
verb (used with object), infringed, infringing.
1.
to commit a breach or infraction of; violate or transgress:
to infringe a copyright; to infringe a rule.
verb (used without object), infringed, infringing.
2.
to encroach or trespass (usually followed by on or upon):
Don't infringe on his privacy.
Origin
1525-35; < Latin infringere to break, weaken, equivalent to in- in-2 + -fringere, combining form of frangere to break
Related forms
infringer, noun
uninfringed, adjective
Can be confused
infringe, impinge.
Synonyms
1. break, disobey. 2. poach. See trespass.
Examples from the web for infringe
  • It is never a good idea when you allow the government to infringe on your rights.
  • But you've said aspects of the war on terrorism infringe on civil liberties.
  • Don't infringe upon my right to purchase a game for entertainment because you are afraid of the impact it will have on minors.
  • If people are against the infringements of civil rights they infringe anyway.
  • He didn't infringe on anyones rights, he didn't attempt to cause any harm.
  • At the same time it is prepared to infringe any or all of these in the interest of self-preservation.
  • So there are laws that are defensible but unenforceable, and there are laws impossible to infringe.
British Dictionary definitions for infringe

infringe

/ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/
verb
1.
(transitive) to violate or break (a law, an agreement, etc)
2.
(intransitive; foll by on or upon) to encroach or trespass
Derived Forms
infringement, noun
infringer, noun
Word Origin
C16: from Latin infringere to break off, from frangere to break
Word Origin and History for infringe
v.

mid-15c., enfrangen, "to violate," from Latin infringere "to damage, break off, break, bruise," from in- "in" (see in- (2)) + frangere "to break" (see fraction). Meaning of "encroach" first recorded c.1760. Related: Infringed; infringing.