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

Last year alone, 57 other citations were issued in San Luis Obispo for the same infraction, per KFSN. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 24 May 2024

Due to Comer’s inability to manage the infraction, chaos ensued. —Megan Thiele Strong, The Mercury News, 24 May 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