infringement
Infringement (noun) means a violation of a law or someone's legal rights. Example: “Selling the fake handbags was a clear infringement of the trademark.”
How to Use Infringement
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBreaking a law or right, most often used about copyright, patents, or trademarks.
Word Forms
infringements plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Selling the fake handbags was a clear _____ of the trademark.
Etymology
From "infringe" + the noun-forming suffix "-ment."
Related Words
Rhymes for infringement
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “infringement” mean?
The word “infringement” means a violation of a law or someone's legal rights. In plain terms, breaking a law or right, most often used about copyright, patents, or trademarks.
How do you pronounce “infringement”?
“Infringement” is pronounced ihn-FRIHNJ-muhnt (/ɪnˈfɹɪnd͡ʒmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “infringement” in a sentence?
Here is “infringement” used in a sentence: “Selling the fake handbags was a clear infringement of the trademark.”
What part of speech is “infringement”?
“Infringement” is a noun.
Is “infringement” a common word?
“Infringement” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "infringement" and "violation"?
"Infringement" specifically refers to the violation of a law or someone's legal rights, and is especially common in contexts like copyright or patent infringement. "Violation" is broader and can apply to breaking rules, laws, or agreements in general, not just legal rights.
What is the difference between "copyright infringement" and "plagiarism"?
Copyright infringement is a legal violation of someone's exclusive rights over their creative work, such as copying and distributing it without permission. Plagiarism is presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own, which is an ethical or academic offense that may or may not also involve legal infringement.
Is "infringement" only used in legal contexts?
"Infringement" is used almost exclusively in legal or formal contexts, especially regarding intellectual property such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights. It is rarely used casually to describe minor rule-breaking.
Featured In
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