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 portal was also missing key information such as re-inspection dates, closure dates and all infraction types, namely improper cooling of potentially hazardous foods, which commonly leads to foodborne illnesses. —Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 10 July 2024

Raymond Lopez has a proposal to enhance penalties for those wearing masks committing crimes that would apply to both serious crime and minor infractions such as trespassing and blocking the public way. —Glenn Minnis | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 July 2024

Despite his many infractions, the N.B.A. treated Sterling with kid gloves—a policy that was put to the test on the night of April 25th. —Hanif Abdurraqib, The New Yorker, 3 July 2024

Chances are most Hoosiers have violated United States Flag Code, with an uptick of infractions occurring on Independence Day as well as the Indy 500. —John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 2 July 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