infraction

noun

in·frac·tion | \ in-ˈfrak-shən

Definition of infraction

: the act of infringing : violation

Other Words from infraction Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about infraction

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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.

Examples of infraction in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

While the government hasn’t made the specific methodology used to calculate scores public, one’s ranking can fall for both major and minor infractions. — Nadra Nittle, Vox, "Spend “frivolously” and be penalized under China’s new social credit system," 2 Nov. 2018 Parking violators would get by with a warning the first time but would face escalating fines for subsequent infractions at the new City Springs downtown redevelopment, according to an ordinance approved by the Sandy Springs City Council. — David Ibata, ajc, "Sandy Springs sets parking fines at City Springs," 29 May 2018 He was cited for the traffic infractions and charged with OVI. — Jeff Piorkowski/special To Cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Two men, woman and girl arrested on drug charges at mall: Beachwood Police Blotter," 25 Apr. 2018 Many of these victims died of starvation, but Mr. Dikötter noted other causes: Between 2 and 3 million of these victims were tortured to death or summarily executed, often for the slightest infraction. — James Freeman, WSJ, "Human Extinction: Hot Again," 18 Dec. 2018 The lawsuit notes that these requirements can often be more extensive than those determined by a court for the same infractions. — P.r. Lockhart, Vox, "How one California county is criminalizing bad grades," 17 July 2018 City officials said the fees will be changed for the most common parking infractions and for those that create the biggest headaches for residents and visitors. — Steve Annear, BostonGlobe.com, "The price for parking violations is going up on Monday. Here’s what you need to know," 26 June 2018 Wearing your underwear raises the ante on the infraction. — Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, "It’s time for these roommates to air their dirty laundry," 3 May 2018 The lawsuit alleges that the infractions risk harming the health of area children. — Andrew Simmons, San Francisco Chronicle, "Rodney Spencer and the struggles and rewards of a West Oakland urban farm," 27 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'infraction.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.