infraction

noun

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

In his first game with the 49ers, Alexander was ejected for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston, an infraction that prompted the NFL to fine the former Oxford High School standout $28,075. — Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, "State NFL Roundup: Kwon Alexander busy in 49ers’ win," 16 Sep. 2019 Several obvious holding infractions were ignored, including Watt being tackled to the ground or placed in a head lock by Jaguars rookie offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor. — Aaron Wilson, Houston Chronicle, "Texans' J.J. Watt has resurgent game, puzzled by lack of holding calls," 15 Sep. 2019 The law would also criminalize intentional infractions of a new set of rules, exposing voting advocates to misdemeanor charges. — USA TODAY, "Disney surprise, foreign feral hogs, porous pavement: News from around our 50 states," 13 Sep. 2019 Runcie first suggested the employee may be terminated if there’s another infraction. — Scott Travis, sun-sentinel.com, "Assistant principal accused of striking student retires," 13 Sep. 2019 Police charged the woman on the possession charges, as well as for DUS and the license plate infractions. — cleveland.com, "Tinted car windows lead to warrant arrest: Solon police blotter," 13 Sep. 2019 The number of marijuana convictions trailed off swiftly after Harris left office, in part due to a state law reclassifying some marijuana misdemeanors as infractions — making them similar to a traffic ticket. — Casey Tolan, The Mercury News, "Campaign fact check: Here’s how Kamala Harris really prosecuted marijuana cases," 11 Sep. 2019 The United States is supposed to be a free country, and yet there are countless Americans who remain locked up due to nonviolent drug infractions. — Katherine Timpf, National Review, "A Man Is Serving Life in Prison for a First-Time Drug Offense. That’s Wrong.," 11 Sep. 2019 The aim is to uncover eventual infractions in France as well as on any French victims abroad and to determine whether any French nationals were linked to crimes. — Greg Norman | Fox News, Fox News, "France says it has interviewed 3 alleged Jeffrey Epstein victims, urges any more to come forward," 11 Sep. 2019

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.