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

Aren’t these crimes against children, not just religious infractions? — WSJ, "The Police Are the Solution to Church Stonewalling on Sexual Abuse," 1 Mar. 2019 According to the lawsuit filed by Orlando attorneys William Corzo and Edmund Normand, a pursuit for misdemeanor offenses, non-forcible felonies, traffic or civil infractions is prohibited by the sheriff’s policies and procedures. — Stephen Hudak, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Parents of UCF student sue sheriff, deputy, suspect for wrongful death in high-speed fatal crash," 25 June 2018 Nash showed no signs of violence or agression during his most recent prison sentence, and had two minor infractions in 26 years, CentralMaine.com reported. — Amy Lieu, Fox News, "Convicted murderer captured after escape from Maine prison," 19 Sep. 2018 But in California state law limits electronic recording of court proceedings to only infractions and misdemeanor criminal cases, and lawsuits where less than $25,000 is at stake. — Greg Moran, sandiegouniontribune.com, "State high court strikes down rule requiring poor to pay for own court reporter in civil courts," 6 July 2018 Earlier this year, Brockhouse asked the Bexar County district attorney to investigate his colleagues for an alleged infraction of the Texas Open Meetings Act. — Josh Baugh, San Antonio Express-News, "Council approves LGBTQ-themed crosswalk," 7 June 2018 Weinman’s attorney said police overreacted to a minor infraction with excessive force. — Barbara Boyer, Philly.com, "The cop in the Wildwood beach arrest that went viral on video was a temporary officer. Jersey Shore towns use them every summer," 1 June 2018 The department says a North Bend High School LGBTQ student was forced to read the Bible passages as punishment for an undisclosed infraction by a school administrator. — Eder Campuzano, OregonLive.com, "Oregon students forced to read Bible as punishment: report," 9 May 2018 The commission also called out university presidents, saying administrators can’t be allowed to turn a blind eye to infractions. — Washington Post, "APNewsBreak: Hoops panel says ban cheats, end 1-and-done," 25 Apr. 2018

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.