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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
The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
The Broncos have allowed two 70-yard-plus kick returns, committed an indefensible leverage infraction on a 60-yard field goal, fumbled a punt and clanked a field goal.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
That anxiety is born out of a history of Black communities being ravaged by law enforcement stops for minor infractions that escalate into much more.
—Curtis Bunn, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2025
Cornerback Jaylen Watson was called for a defensive infraction on each of the Jaguars’ first two touchdown drives.
—Chris Ochsner, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 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 Oct. 2025.
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infraction
noun
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