infringement

noun

in·​fringe·​ment in-ˈfrinj-mənt 

1

: the act of infringing : violation

2

: an encroachment or trespass on a right or privilege

Synonyms of infringement

• violation

Examples of infringement in a Sentence

any government action limiting freedom of speech is an infringement of the U.S. Constitution

Recent Examples on the Web

However, many of his videos were flagged for copyright infringement. —Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 May 2026

But trademark infringement lawsuits can be filed in federal court — a potentially greater deterrent to misuse, because those cases apply nationwide. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 May 2026

Samsung had initially declined to comment, but has now issued a statement denying claims of copyright infringement, trademark infringement and misappropriation of Lipa’s likeness and image. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 May 2026

In their own complaint filed on Monday, May 11, and obtained by Billboard, the Twigs countersued for trademark infringement. —Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 12 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for infringement

• impingement

Legal Definition

infringement

noun

in·​fringe·​ment

: the act or an instance of infringing

especially : the unauthorized use of copyrighted or patented material or of a trademark, trade name, or trade dress see also equivalent, fair use

Note: Infringement of a trademark, trade name, or trade dress involves use of one by the infringer that is the same as that of the owner or so similar that it is likely to deceive or to cause confusion or mistake on the part of the average purchaser. Infringement of a copyright involves the copying of a material and substantial portion of the protected work. If the alleged infringer denies copying, the copyright holder may be able to prove infringement with circumstantial evidence of the infringer's access to the protected work and of similarities between the two works.