Reading Theme:
Infringe: Definition, Examples, and Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：break a law (infringe)
infringe
/ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/
v.
To break or act against a law, rule, or agreement.
break a law
➕
/breɪk ə lɔː/
v.
To act against or disobey a law, rule, or regulation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Latin 'infringere' (in- 'into' + frangere 'to break')
💡 Mnemonic
In + fringe: imagine stepping over the fringe (edge) of a rule, thus infringe it.
📖 Example
You should never infringe the traffic rules, even when you are in a hurry.
You should never infringe the traffic rules, even when you are in a hurry.
🔗 Collocations
infringe upon – to encroach or trespass on something, typically a right or privilege
infringe a law – to violate or break a specific law
infringe a regulation – to act contrary to a specific rule or regulation
🔄 Synonyms
violate (v.) – to break or fail to comply with a law or agreement
breach (v.) – to break or fail to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct
contravene (v.) – to violate the provisions of a law or rule
🚫 Antonyms
obey (v.) – to comply with or follow a command, law, or rule
abide by (v.) – to accept or follow a rule, decision, or recommendation
comply with (v.) – to act in accordance with a rule, request, or law
🌱 Derivatives
infringement (n.) – the action of breaking a law or rule; violation
infringer (n.) – a person who breaks a law or rule
infringed (v. past tense) – past tense of infringe; having broken a law or rule
📖 Cultural Story
Etymology: Latin 'infringere' (in- 'into' + frangere 'to break'). Used in Roman legal texts, adopted into English legal lexicon in the 1500s to describe breach of law or rights.
Meaning 2：encroach on rights (infringe)
infringe
/ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/
v.
To limit or harm someone's legal rights, especially copyright or patent.
encroach on rights
➕
/ɪnˈkroʊtʃ ɒn raɪts/
v.
To limit or harm someone's legal rights, especially intellectual property or copyright.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Using that song in your video without permission could infringe the artist's copyright.
Using that song in your video without permission could infringe the artist's copyright.
🔗 Collocations
infringe a copyright – to violate the exclusive rights of a copyright holder by using their work without permission
infringe a patent – to make, use, or sell a patented invention without authorization
infringe upon someone's rights – to encroach on or violate the legal rights of an individual
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
infringement (n.) – the action of breaking a law or rule; violation
infringer (n.) – a person who breaks a law or rule
infringed (v. past tense) – past tense of infringe; having broken a law or rule
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