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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
Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
But instead of automating the entire setup, local governments review potential infractions before any citations are issued, ensuring a human is always in the loop.
—IEEE Spectrum, 5 July 2025
Other more frequent charges included public intoxication (147), failure to appear (150), violation of probation (91), and open container infractions (83).
—Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Jarred Logan, 30, was charged with felony vehicular manslaughter and two infractions: a railroad crossing violation, and driving without a license.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for infraction
Cite this Entry
“Infraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infraction. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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infraction
noun
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