v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Infringed p. pr. & vb. n. Infringing ] [ L. infringere; pref. in- in + frangere to break. See Fraction, and cf. Infract . ] 1. To break; to violate; to transgress; to neglect to fulfill or obey; as, to infringe a law, right, or contract. [ 1913 Webster ]

If the first that did the edict infringe,
Had answered for his deed. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

The peace . . . was infringed by Appius Claudius. Golding. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To hinder; to destroy; as, to infringe efficacy; to infringe delight or power. [ Obs. ] Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To break, violate, or transgress some contract, rule, or law; to injure; to offend. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To encroach; to trespass; -- followed by on or upon; as, to infringe upon the rights of another. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. The act of infringing; breach; violation; nonfulfillment; as, the infringement of a treaty, compact, law, or constitution. [ 1913 Webster ]

The punishing of this infringement is proper to that
jurisdiction against which the contempt is. Clarendon. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An encroachment on a patent, copyright, or other special privilege; a trespass. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who infringes or violates; a violator. Strype. [ 1913 Webster ]