infraction

noun

in·​frac·​tion in-ˈfrak-shən How to pronounce infraction (audio)
: the act of infringing : violation
infract 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.

Examples of infraction in a Sentence

speeding is only a minor infraction, but vehicular homicide is a serious felony
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Austin Dillon, despite a win at Richmond, was disqualified due to infractions, and Kyle Busch endured his first winless season in two decades. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024 Justice courts handle misdemeanor crimes, protective orders, evictions, traffic infractions and smaller-dollar civil matters. Jimmy Jenkins, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 Iranian women can be subjected to harsh punishment, even for minor infractions. Mohammed Tawfeeq, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024 Enabled by a softening labor market, employers seem quicker to fire workers these days for seemingly minor infractions. Emily Peck, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for infraction 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of infraction was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near infraction

Cite this Entry

“Infraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infraction. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

infraction

noun
in·​frac·​tion in-ˈfrak-shən How to pronounce infraction (audio)
: an act of violating something : violation

Legal Definition

infraction

noun
in·​frac·​tion in-ˈfrak-shən How to pronounce infraction (audio)
: the act of infringing : violation
infract transitive verb

More from Merriam-Webster on infraction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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