Infringe

('frinj'), v. t. [imp. & p. p. INFRINGED; p. pr. & vb. n. INFRINGING.] [Lat. infringere, from prefix in and frangere, to break; It. infringere, Sp. infringir, Fr. enfreindre.] 1. To break, as contracts; to violate, either positively by contravention, or negatively by non-fulfillment or neglect. 2. To break; to violate; to transgress; to neglect to fulfill or obey; as, to infringe a law. 3. To destroy or hinder; as, to infringe efficacy. [Obs.] Hooker.