How does the verb infringe differ from other similar words?
Some common synonyms of infringe are encroach, invade, and trespass. While all these words mean "to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another," infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.
infringing a copyright
When is it sensible to use encroach instead of infringe?
In some situations, the words encroach and infringe are roughly equivalent. However, encroach suggests gradual or stealthy entrance upon another's territory or usurpation of another's rights or possessions.
the encroaching settlers displacing the native peoples
When can invade be used instead of infringe?
While in some cases nearly identical to infringe, invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.
accused of invading their privacy
When might trespass be a better fit than infringe?
The synonyms trespass and infringe are sometimes interchangeable, but trespass implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion.
hunters trespassing on farmland
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of infringeThese tools save you time, especially when your schedule is limited due to work and other life constraints infringing on your day.—Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 Wednesday’s motion, in part, disputed that the state law improperly infringed on federal immigration authority.—Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2025 Several members raised concerns the bill still would infringe on parental rights and cut parents out of conversations about their children’s gender identities.—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 6 May 2025 The defense team insisted their client wanted to be physically present for the hearing, and argued that ruling otherwise would infringe on his rights.—Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for infringe
The amendment was inspired by neighboring counties, including Sacramento and Placer, that already instituted hefty fines for violating fireworks ordinances.
—
Jack Rodriquez-Vars,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 2025
But in recent years Maryland has violated the criteria more frequently than any other state.
The school counters that the government has no right to impinge on its academic freedom and independence, especially its emphasis on diversity and tolerance.
—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
29 May 2025
Memories, both fresh and long-held, impinge on the present of our main characters.
According to the agencies, the GRU hackers also carried out reconnaissance of the network of at least one producer of industrial control system components for railway systems—suggesting a possible intention to attempt sabotage—but didn’t actually succeed in breaching the company.
—
Andy Greenberg,
Wired News,
24 May 2025
The rate on the 10-year Treasury note at one point breached 4.6%.
The Kremlin deemed such a display unacceptable in wartime and began asserting its right to intrude into private life—something even the late Soviet Union, from the 1960s onward, generally avoided.
—
ANDREI YAKOVLEV,
Foreign Affairs,
16 May 2025
Have commercial concerns—commercial possibilities—started to intrude in your writing process?
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