infringe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "infringe" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to indicate a violation or encroachment upon rights, laws, or agreements. Example: "The new policy may infringe on the employees' right to privacy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 1984, in a case involving Sony's Betamax video recorder, the Supreme Court ruled that technology firms are not liable if their users infringe copyright, provided the device is "capable of substantial non-infringing uses".

The Economist

Lord Ashdown accused Cameron in an Observer article of a "kneejerk" response while Campbell warned that plans to impose a temporary ban on UK-born jihadis returning to Britain could infringe international law.

The Guardian

Indian customs have been ordered to block the import of smartphones or other devices that potentially infringe on Ericsson patents until further notice.

The Guardian - Tech

He was also quoted as saying: "No one is allowed to suppress or infringe the rights of any minority groups.

The Guardian

But the first tier tribunal on information rights said that publishing their names would cause the two councillors distress and infringe their human rights.

The Guardian

For example, emerging technologies such as drones bring up a host of privacy issues that extend beyond data collection to encompass data processing, the potential for private space to become public, to infringe on bodily privacy (eg an image captured in someone's garden while they're sunbathing).

The Guardian

The suit, in which Spansion, a maker of flash memory chips, alleged that Samsung smartphones infringe one of its patents, was not just a local spat but the latest battle in the smartphone wars that have drawn in the industry's biggest players.

The Guardian - Tech

Nokia raised the stakes with a suit filed at the ITC, which can ban imports to the US, asking for the blocking of iPhone, iPod and Apple computer sales, claiming that "virtually all" its products infringe at least one of seven Nokia patents.

The Guardian - Tech

"I did not see any explanation or justification for an official Senate committee inquiry into activities protected by the first amendment," he wrote, concluding, "we decline to participate in this endeavor and object to your apparent efforts to infringe upon and potentially stifle fundamental first amendment activities".

The Guardian

Akio Okuyama, president of the Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants, said that the act would "infringe upon Japanese sovereignty".

The Economist

Ethnic Fijians say that the government's proposals infringe the traditional rights of landowners.Another grievance is that the Chaudhry government removed from office many of the cronies of the former Rabuka administration, paving the way, it is claimed, for Indian control of the civil service.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, ensure that you clearly identify what is being "infringed" upon (e.g., rights, patents, laws) to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "infringe" interchangeably with words like "affect" or "influence". "Infringe" specifically denotes a violation or encroachment, while "affect" and "influence" suggest a broader impact.

Linguistic Context

The verb "infringe" functions primarily to describe the violation or transgression of a right, law, or agreement. This is consistent with Ludwig's definition and examples, where it's often used in legal or formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "infringe" is a versatile term primarily used to denote the violation or encroachment of rights, laws, or agreements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, especially in legal and formal contexts. While alternatives like "violate" or "breach" exist, "infringe" often carries a nuanced implication of a less direct or severe violation. When employing "infringe", clarity regarding what is being violated is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violate

This alternative is a direct synonym, implying a breach of a law, agreement, or principle.

breach

This alternative suggests a breaking of a formal agreement or contract.

contravene

This alternative emphasizes acting against or conflicting with a law or rule.

encroach upon

This alternative highlights the gradual intrusion on someone's rights or territory.

transgress

This alternative implies exceeding the bounds of what is morally or legally acceptable.

trespass

This alternative refers to unlawfully entering or interfering with someone's property or rights.

impinge on

This alternative suggests a negative impact or restriction on something.

violate the sanctity of

This alternative emphasizes disrespecting something considered sacred or inviolable.

run afoul of

This alternative indicates a conflict with a law or regulation, often unintentionally.

disobey

This alternative simply indicates a refusal to comply with a command or rule.

FAQs

How to use "infringe" in a sentence?

The word "infringe" typically takes a direct object, specifying what is being violated. For example, "The new policy may "infringe" on employee rights" or "The counterfeit product "infringes" the patent".

What can I say instead of "infringe"?

You can use alternatives like "violate", "breach", or "encroach upon" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "infringe on" or "infringe upon"?

Both "infringe on" and "infringe upon" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What's the difference between "infringe" and "violate"?

"Infringe" often implies a less severe or direct violation than "violate". "Infringe" can suggest a gradual or indirect encroachment, while "violate" usually indicates a clear and deliberate breaking of a rule or law.