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 infringeThe move appears retaliatory and may infringe on First Amendment and due process protections.—Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025 The statement describes vouchers as a subsidy that infringes on religious liberty.—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2025 This could include barring infringing products or serial IP rights violators from the U.S. market, and preventing foreign companies that repeatedly infringe on U.S IP access to the U.S. banking system.—Deborah Wince-Smith, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 In the lawsuit, the Park District failed to meet the burden of proof required for the court to affirm the Lansing Journal infringed on its trademark, Seeger’s decision said.—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for infringe
In a series of lawsuits following the order, plaintiffs, including 22 Democratic state attorneys general and immigrant rights advocates, argued that Trump's order violates a right protected by the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment: anyone born in the United States is a citizen.
—
Terry Moseley,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2025
In legal terms, the lawsuits are saying oil and gas companies violated consumer-protection laws and committed common-law civil violations such as negligence.
Memories, both fresh and long-held, impinge on the present of our main characters.
—
Andy Andersen,
Vulture,
6 Apr. 2025
While a typical Mythic Quest arc might see an employee’s workday derailed by their personal issues, this choice subtly reframes the dynamic so the job becomes the thing impinging on the parts of Phil’s life that actually matter most to him.
Read the full Libra Daily Horoscope Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Space to do your thing has never felt so good—until someone invades it!
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USA TODAY,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
By the time the third movie in the franchise rolls around, the zombies, cheerleaders, and werewolves face off with a group of invading aliens with uncertain intentions and (no spoilers) an unexpected secret about Addison’s true identity is revealed.
TikTok remains, steadily entrenching its position as a staple of global youth culture.
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Shaoyu Yuan,
The Conversation,
23 Apr. 2025
Meta is also currently on trial at the same courthouse in Washington, D.C., seeking to fend off allegations from the Federal Trade Commission that the social media giant entrenched its monopoly over social networking with its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.
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