infraction

noun

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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 Your luck may be at a low point, and any infraction of the rules could result in repercussions. — Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive, "Horoscope for May 1, 2021: Aries, stick to rules to get what you want; Taurus, it takes a village," 1 May 2021 Minnesota law prohibits motorists from hanging objects from their car's rearview mirror, though an infraction seldom leads to a ticket. — Tim Harlow, Star Tribune, "Lawmakers take closer look at law banning air fresheners," 26 Apr. 2021 Prosecutors said that the teen had been cited twice for speeding last fall, including one October infraction when he was stopped for going 72 mph on city streets, according to the Los Angeles Times. — Paul Best, Fox News, "LA teen Lamborghini driver pleads guilty to vehicular manslaughter, was driving 106 mph at time of fatal crash," 24 Apr. 2021 Solon police found the vehicle abandoned and tracked down the driver, a Broadview Heights man, 20 who was on probation in Lake County for an infraction there. — Joan Rusek, cleveland, "Pedestrian struck and killed by motorist: Bainbridge Township police blotter," 31 Mar. 2021 Buist herself was charged by responding officers with misdemeanor assault and an infraction for disorderly conduct. — The Salt Lake Tribune, "Some Utah landlords are evicting domestic violence victims," 19 Mar. 2021 Villanueva also said that no evidence suggested the golfer’s actions rose to reckless driving and that this was more likely an infraction offense. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, "L.A. County sheriff obtains search warrant in Tiger Woods crash, seeking SUV data," 3 Mar. 2021 Those who fail to abide by these provisions can be charged with a civil infraction resulting in a fine. — Robert Davis, Washington Examiner, "Polis signs pair of gun restriction bills into law," 20 Apr. 2021 Even for those who are ultimately let go with a warning, being pulled over for a rearview mirror infraction can have a lasting effect. — New York Times, "Why Police Can Stop Motorists With Air Fresheners Hanging in Their Cars," 17 Apr. 2021

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.