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.
Overwhelmingly, the charges were for traffic infractions, vehicle licensing violations such as driving without a license, or driving under the influence. Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 After play continued for a bit, Castellanos went to the monitor and awarded another penalty four minutes after the infraction. Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 30 June 2025 The penalties are civil infractions that start at $200 and escalate for violators who refuse to comply after being warned. Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025 Authorities also noted that Travis was involved in a car crash on May 27, to which he was handed down traffic infractions after a police investigation. Nicole Acosta, People.com, 13 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Infraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infraction. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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

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