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infringement

noun
inĀ·​fringeĀ·​ment | \ in-Ėˆfrinj-mənt How to pronounce infringement (audio) \

Definition of infringement

1 : the act of infringing : violation
2 : an encroachment or trespass on a right or privilege
Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about infringement

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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

 The publishers argue that this is straight-up copyright infringement. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "Book publishers sue Audible to stop new speech-to-text feature," 24 Aug. 2019 Opponents of the bills often described them as an infringement on states' rights. — John Blake, CNN, "Why El Paso and other recent attacks in the US are modern-day lynchings," 17 Aug. 2019 For just as long, civil liberties groups have expressed opposition, fearing federal overreach and infringement on free speech. — Ken Dilanian, NBC News, "There is no law that covers 'domestic terrorism.' What would one look like?," 9 Aug. 2019 In fact, in 2018 the Town of Fraser rewrote the sign code to avoid any infringement on freedom of speech. — Fox News, "Colorado town sued after asking couple to take down anti-Trump signs," 8 Aug. 2019 Most Canadians donā€™t see these regulations as undue infringements on their personal freedom. — Los Angeles Times, "Column: Is there something wrong with us?," 7 Aug. 2019 The case now goes to a penalty phase, where the jury will decide how much the plaintiffs are owed for copyright infringement. — Andrew Dalton, The Denver Post, "Katy Perryā€™s ā€œDark Horseā€ copied Christian rap song, jury says," 29 July 2019 Tebele and his network of companiesā€”FJerry LLC, Jerry Media, and his tequila ventureā€”have been embroiled in several copyright and trademark infringement lawsuits since. — Sangeeta Singh-kurtz, Quartzy, "The guy responsible for Fyre Festivalā€™s false advertising is now an Emmy nominee," 17 July 2019 Shmavonian also is at odds with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation of Scottsdale, Arizona, which has sued him for trademark infringement over his website, www.franklloydwrightestate.com. — Joan Morris, The Mercury News, "Follow Frank Lloyd Wrightā€™s footsteps in Bay Area home tour," 17 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'infringement.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of infringement

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for infringement

infringement

noun
inĀ·​fringeĀ·​ment

Legal Definition of infringement

: 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 ā€” 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.

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More from Merriam-Webster on infringement

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with infringement

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for infringement

Spanish Central: Translation of infringement

Nglish: Translation of infringement for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of infringement for Arabic Speakers

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