Basic Details
Word: Infringe
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To violate or break a rule, law, or agreement; to encroach on someone's rights.
Synonyms: Violate, breach, transgress
Antonyms: Obey, comply, uphold
Idioms and Phrases
- Infringe on someone's rights: To do something that violates another person's freedoms or rights. Example: "The new law might infringe on citizens' rights to privacy."
- Push the envelope: To go beyond the usual limits, especially in a way that might infringe on rules. Example: "He likes to push the envelope in technology, but sometimes he risks infringing on copyright."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The company was warned that they might infringe on a competitor's patent if they released the product.
Example 2: The teacher reminded the students not to infringe on the rules of the library by talking loudly.
Example 3: The proposal was rejected because it was thought to infringe upon people's freedom of speech.
Fun Fact
The word "infringe" comes from the Latin term "infringere," which means "to break or violate." It has been used in legal contexts for many centuries to describe violations of laws and rights.
Famous Quote
"The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding." Justice Louis Brandeis
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "infringe" mean?
a) To create
b) To break a rule or law
c) To assist
d) To ignore
Answer: b) To break a rule or law
2. Which of these is a synonym of "infringe"?
a) Improve
b) Violate
c) Maintain
d) Respect
Answer: b) Violate
3. Which sentence uses "infringe" correctly?
a) The children infringe on their homework after dinner.
b) She decided to infringe on the party to bring snacks.
c) He doesn't want to infringe on anyone's beliefs.
d) The dog loves to infringe in the park.
Answer: c) He doesn't want to infringe on anyone's beliefs.
4. Which idiom means to violate someone else's rights?
a) Push the envelope
b) Infringe on someone's rights
c) Break the ice
d) Bite the bullet
Answer: b) Infringe on someone's rights
5. What is the opposite of "infringe"?
a) Prepare
b) Obey
c) Defy
d) Challenge
Answer: b) Obey
