infraction

noun

in·​frac·​tion in-ˈfrak-shən 

: the act of infringing : violation

infract

in-ˈfrakt 

transitive verb

Did you know?

An infraction is usually the breaking of a law, rule, or agreement. So a nation charged with an infraction of an international treaty will usually have to pay a penalty. In Federal law, an infraction is even smaller than a misdemeanor, and the only penalty is a fine. Most of us occasionally commit infractions of parking laws and get ticketed; speeding tickets are usually for infractions as well, though they go on a permanent record and can end up costing you money for years to come. The closely related word infringement generally refers to a violation of a right or privilege; use of another's writings without permission, for example, may be an infringement of the copyright.

Synonyms

• breach
• contravention
• infringement
• transgression
• trespass
• violation

Examples of infraction in a Sentence

speeding is only a minor infraction, but vehicular homicide is a serious felony

Recent Examples on the Web

The most severe infractions were: LMPD uses excessive force LMPD conducts searches based on invalid warrants, and the department executes search warrants without knocking and announcing LMPD’s street enforcement violates the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. —Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 15 Apr. 2024

According to the 12-page complaint, the infractions were not repeated. —Nathan Canilao, The Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin infraction-, infractio, from Latin, subduing, from infringere to break — more at infringe

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

infraction

noun

in·​frac·​tion in-ˈfrak-shən 

: an act of violating something : violation

Legal Definition

infraction

noun

in·​frac·​tion in-ˈfrak-shən 

: the act of infringing : violation

infract

-ˈfrakt 

transitive verb