# infringed

/ˌɪnˈfɹɪndʒd/ (US) · /ɪnfɹˈɪndʒd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/infringed
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to break a rule or law

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to break a law, a rule, or a legal agreement.

For teachers: to violate or break the terms of a law, treaty, or formal agreement. Transitive; requires a direct object.

- The company was sued because they infringed the terms of the contract.
- The court ruled that the new regulations infringed international trade agreements, forcing the government to revise its policy immediately.

Usage: Often used in the passive voice: 'the law was infringed'.

### 2. to limit someone's rights

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to limit or take away someone's rights or freedom.

For teachers: to act in a way that is against a right or that limits someone's freedom. Often used with the preposition 'on' or 'upon'.

- Some people believe that the new cameras infringe on their privacy.
- Critics argued that the surveillance legislation significantly infringed upon the civil liberties of ordinary citizens without sufficient justification.

Usage: Commonly followed by the preposition 'on' or 'upon' when referring to rights or privacy.

### 3. violated or broken

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

describes a rule or right that has been broken.

For teachers: denoting a treaty, law, or right that has been violated or encroached upon.

- The infringed rights of the workers led to a massive protest.
- The legal team sought compensation for the infringed copyright, citing multiple instances of unauthorized distribution.

## Examples

- The new law infringed on the citizens' right to privacy.
- The court ruled that the tech company had infringed the inventor's patent by using the same software code.
- Legal experts argued that the proposed surveillance measures significantly infringed upon individual liberties without providing a clear benefit to public safety.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.