infringement
/ɪnˈfrɪn(d)ʒm(ə)nt
/noun [mass noun]
1The action of breaking the terms of a law, agreement, etc.; violation: copyright infringement [count noun]: an infringement of the rules...
- The dismemberment is done in visualization only, hence there is no infringement of the rule of conduct.
- Related to the quality issue are proposals to change the damages awarded for infringement.
- Criminal proceedings were brought in the United Kingdom for infringement of fisheries legislation.
Synonyms
contravention, violation, transgression, breach, breaking, non-observance, non-compliance, neglect, dereliction, failure to observe;
Law infraction, delict
undermining, erosion, weakening, compromise;
limitation, curb, check, encroachment, disruption, disturbance
2The action of limiting or undermining something: the infringement of the right to privacy [count noun]: this bill is an infringement of our civil liberties...
- Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom.
- Three families in France have won, on appeal, monetary damages for infringement of their childrens' rights not to have been born.
- Unjustified, or even accidental infringements of the privilege erode the public's confidence in the fairness of the criminal justice system.