infringe Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb go against, as of rules and laws
    run afoul; conflict; contravene.
    • He ran afoul of the law
    • This behavior conflicts with our rules
  2. verb advance beyond the usual limit
    impinge; encroach.

WordNet

In*fringe" transitive verb
Etymology
L. infringere; pref. in- in + frangere to break. See Fraction, and cf. Infract .
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Infringed ; present participle & verbal noun Infringing
Definitions
  1. To break; to violate; to transgress; to neglect to fulfill or obey; as, to infringe a law or contract.
    If the first that did the edict infringe, Had answered for his deed. Shak.
    The peace . . . was infringed by Appius Claudius. Golding.
  2. To hinder; to destroy; as, to infringe efficacy; to infringe delight or power. Obs. Hooker.
In*fringe" intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To break, violate, or transgress some contract, rule, or law; to injure; to offend.
  2. To encroach; to trespass; -- followed by on or upon; as, to infringe upon the rights of another.

Webster 1913