feel infringed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel infringed" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when expressing a sense of violation or encroachment on one's rights or feelings, but it is more typical to say "feel infringed upon." Example: "I feel infringed upon by the new policy that limits my creative freedom."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But besides just being a total drag, the announcements, I couldn't help but feel, infringed on something really basic: They wrecked the magic.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He feels infringed upon.

The New York Times

But these searches were supported by the residents themselves, who welcomed them as a means of investigating random gunfire, a threat that they felt infringed their privacy rather more than police searches ever could do.

The Economist

Schumacher and his team-mate, Nico Rosberg, have been cleared to continue using a controversial rear wing, which some rivals felt infringed the regulations, after a formal protest from the Lotus team was rejected by FIA stewards on Thursday evening.

The Guardian - Sport

Andrew Pelletier, a spokesman for Wal-Mart Canada, said a recent redesign of the union's Web site "in a way we feel infringes on our trademark" led the company to seek an injunction.

The New York Times

This positions it as a "formidable" IP holder, Sony says, which seems to point to both its ambitions to push ahead in its own gaming development via PlayStation, but potentially also to go after those who it feels infringe on its tech.

TechCrunch

We are suing another company that we feel has infringed on our intellectual property.

Forbes

The footbridge was replaced in 2013 to allow for electrification of the line, but the new, higher, bridge angered local residents who felt it infringed on their privacy.

Wikipedia

Some may feel it infringes human rights and there may be an orchestrated campaign against it via call in radio programmes.

BMC Public Health

The RIAA asked me to remove a handful of specific muxtapes because they contained songs they felt were infringing on the copyright of their members.

The New Yorker

Even Mr. Shelby — now 89 years old and the recipient of successful heart and kidney transplants — has long dabbled in the action, selling official re-creations of the Cobra, authorizing some made by third parties while damning others and hauling those who he feels are infringing on the design into court.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for stronger, more vivid verbs like "violated", "encroached", or "restricted" for clarity and impact when describing how someone's rights or feelings have been affected.

Common error

Avoid using "feel infringed" in contexts where a more direct and specific verb would be more appropriate. For example, instead of "I feel infringed by the new policy", consider "I feel restricted by the new policy" or "I feel my rights are being violated by the new policy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel infringed" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing a subjective sensation of having one's rights, freedom, or autonomy violated. Ludwig suggests that alternatives like "feel violated" or "feel encroached upon" might be more commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically acceptable, the phrase "feel infringed" is not the most common way to express a sense of violation or encroachment. Ludwig suggests that alternatives like "feel violated" or "feel encroached upon" may be more frequently used. The phrase can be used in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "feel infringed", consider whether adding "upon" makes the phrase sound more complete and natural. Choose stronger verbs for more clarity and impact, and be mindful of the specific connotation you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel violated

Stronger emphasis on a personal sense of violation or intrusion.

feel encroached upon

More specific to the idea of having one's space or boundaries invaded.

feel impinged upon

Similar to 'encroached upon' but can also refer to rights or freedoms.

feel intruded upon

Focuses on the sense of having one's privacy or personal space violated.

feel restricted

Focuses on a limitation or constraint being imposed.

feel constrained

Similar to 'restricted' but suggests a feeling of being held back or compelled.

feel suppressed

Implies that one's expression or actions are being actively prevented.

feel oppressed

Suggests a more severe and sustained form of control or domination.

feel imposed upon

Highlights the feeling of being burdened or taken advantage of.

feel trespassed against

A more formal and legalistic way of expressing a similar sentiment.

FAQs

What does it mean to "feel infringed"?

To "feel infringed" means to experience a sense that your rights, freedom, or personal space has been violated or encroached upon. It suggests a subjective feeling of being restricted or imposed upon by someone or something.

What can I say instead of "feel infringed"?

You can use alternatives like "feel violated", "feel encroached upon", or "feel restricted" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is more correct, "feel infringed" or "feel infringed upon"?

While both are grammatically acceptable, "feel infringed upon" is often considered more standard and complete. The addition of "upon" can make the phrase sound more natural and formal.

In what situations might someone "feel infringed"?

Someone might "feel infringed" in situations where their personal boundaries are crossed, their rights are limited, or they experience unwanted interference in their activities or freedoms. This can occur in both personal and professional contexts.