Definition of infringe

The origins of the word "infringe" can be traced back to the medieval Latin phrase "infringere," which means "to break or violate." The phrase was used to describe the act of breaking or disregarding a law or a rule, and it was commonly used in legal contexts. Over time, the Latin term evolved into the Middle English word "infrenge" in the late 14th century, which was commonly used to describe the act of violating a legal right or a customary practice. In the 16th century, the word "infringe" began to replace "infrenge" in English usage due to the simplification of the spelling and pronunciation of the word. The modern English usage of "infringe" to describe the violation of a law or a right is a direct descendant of the medieval Latin term "infringere."