Words / C1

in-FRINJ/ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/

To infringe is to break a law, right, or agreement (infringe on / upon a right): infringe copyright, infringe a condition. Breach is the close twin; reprinting a paper without a licence is still a fault, however handsome the crest.

Meaning

To break a law or right, or to limit someone’s freedom (infringe on / upon).

Examples

• “A live mic will infringe the embargo; wait for midnight.”
• “Do not infringe the sitting conditions with an unlicensed reprint, crest or no crest.”
• “Breach is the close twin. Violate is harsher. A crest is branding. A licence line is a file. Get the licence; then print the crest if the owner still allows it.”

Good to know

Break a law, right, or agreement. Close: breach. A crest ≠ a licence.

Near in meaning

breach, violate

New