infraction

in·frac·tion | \ in-ˈfrak-shən $How to pronounce infraction (audio)$ \

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 They could be held 20 years for a minor infraction. — oregonlive, "Through his life’s work, a Portland artist captures what it means to be Black in America," 15 Oct. 2020 After sitting out the first half of the matchup because of a targeting infraction against UAB two weeks ago, Wisdom again will be sidelined for the first half of Saturday’s game against Army. — Greg Luca, ExpressNews.com, "With Wisdom sidelined due to targeting, UTSA looks to new options at safety," 13 Oct. 2020 George Floyd’s death highlighted how even a minor alleged infraction – in his case, over a fake $20 bill – can lead to a fatal interaction with law enforcement. — Gary Painter, The Conversation, "How even a casual brush with the law can permanently mar a young man’s life – especially if he’s Black," 28 Sep. 2020 The company said its counsel classified the incident as a low-to-medium infraction. — Dylan Tokar, WSJ, "Curtiss-Wright Discloses Possible Russia Sanctions Violations," 21 Aug. 2020 Jasinski, R-Faribault, declined to be interviewed but acknowledged in a statement that he was pulled over for a driving infraction. — Kim Hyatt, Star Tribune, "State Sen. John Jasinski of Faribault says he takes 'complete responsibility' for drunken driving over the weekend," 4 Oct. 2020 On top of that, the Saints have continued to rack up costly defensive pass interference penalties, being flagged nine times for that specific infraction. — Amie Just | Staff Writer, NOLA.com, "The Edge: Assessing how New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions stack up for Week 4," 1 Oct. 2020 The City Attorney’s Office plans to provide instructions on its website about how to request that records of the infraction be removed. — Andrea Lopez-villafaña, San Diego Union-Tribune, "San Diego City Council repeals ‘seditious language’ law from its books," 29 Sep. 2020 By imposing a series of escalating limitations with each new infraction, platforms can crack down on these actors before the most volatile period of election season. — Ann Ravel, Wired, "Democracy Will Only Work If the Social Media Giants Grow Up," 19 Sep. 2020

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.

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Last Updated

20 Oct 2020

Cite this Entry

“Infraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infraction. Accessed 26 Oct. 2020.

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More Definitions for infraction

infraction

noun

$How to pronounce infraction (audio)$

English Language Learners Definition of infraction

formal : an act that breaks a rule or law

See the full definition for infraction in the English Language Learners Dictionary

infraction

in·frac·tion | \ in-ˈfrak-shən $How to pronounce infraction (audio)$ \

Kids Definition of infraction

: violation an infraction of the rules

infraction

in·frac·tion | \ in-ˈfrak-shən $How to pronounce infraction (audio)$ \

Legal Definition of infraction

: the act of infringing : violation

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