infringe crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on an 'infringe crossword clue', you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "infringe crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
BREAK: To fail to observe (a law, rule, or custom); to infringe. A concise and frequently used answer when a shorter word is required.
7 Letters
VIOLATE: To break or disregard (a law, promise, etc.); to infringe upon. This is a very common synonym for 'infringe' in crosswords.
8 Letters
TRESPASS: To encroach on someone's property, rights, or privacy. Often used in legal contexts, closely related to infringing on rights or boundaries.
ENCROACH: Intrude on (a person's territory or a thing considered to be a right). Highly synonymous with infringe, particularly when referring to a gradual intrusion.
10 Letters
TRANSGRESS: Go beyond the limits of (what is morally, legally, or socially acceptable). Directly implies infringing upon rules or boundaries, often with a moral connotation.
More About "infringe crossword clue"
'Infringe' is a versatile word in crosswords, often appearing in clues that relate to breaking rules, violating agreements, or overstepping boundaries. Its core meaning revolves around the act of actively breaking or disregarding a law, right, or agreement, or of intruding upon a domain or territory. This makes its synonyms, such as 'VIOLATE', 'BREAK', 'TRESPASS', and 'ENCROACH', prime candidates for answers.
When you encounter 'infringe' in a clue, think about the context. Is it about a legal breach, a moral crossing, or a physical intrusion? The specific phrasing of the clue and the number of letters in the answer will guide you. For instance, a clue mentioning 'rights' might lean towards 'TRESPASS', while one about 'rules' could point to 'BREAK' or 'VIOLATE'.
Mastering synonyms for words like 'infringe' is crucial for crossword success. Keep an eye out for how different dictionaries define the subtle differences between these words, as crossword setters often exploit these nuances to create clever and challenging clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always check the number of letters required. This is the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities and narrow down your options, especially for a clue like 'infringe' which has several answers of varying lengths.
- Consider Nuances and Context: Pay close attention to any additional words in the clue. Is 'infringe' paired with 'on rights', 'a law', or 'boundaries'? This extra context can help you choose between closely related synonyms like 'TRESPASS' (often legal) and 'ENCROACH' (often gradual intrusion).
- Check Cross-References: If you have a few letters filled in from intersecting words, use them! The partial letters are often the key to confirming the correct answer when multiple synonyms fit the clue.
- Think of Homonyms/Homophones: While less common for 'infringe', always be open to clues that play on words sounding similar or having multiple meanings. However, for a direct action verb like 'infringe', a direct synonym is usually the target.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'infringe' typically mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'infringe' usually refers to actions that violate, break, trespass, or encroach upon rules, rights, or boundaries. Clues might hint at breaking a law, violating an agreement, or stepping over limits.
Are there common letter counts for 'infringe' answers?
Yes, common answers like VIOLATE (7 letters), BREAK (5 letters), TRESPASS (8 letters), and ENCROACH (8 letters) cover several popular word lengths. The specific number of letters in the grid will often narrow down the possibilities significantly.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like 'TRESPASS' and 'ENCROACH'?
Consider the nuance in the clue. 'TRESPASS' often implies a more direct, perhaps illegal, intrusion (e.g., 'unlawful entry'), while 'ENCROACH' can suggest a more gradual or subtle infringement (e.g., 'slowly intrude'). The surrounding letters in the crossword grid will also be your best guide.