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.
speeding is only a minor infraction, but vehicular homicide is a serious felony
Recent Examples on the WebThe most severe infractions were: LMPD uses excessive force
LMPD conducts searches based on invalid warrants, and the department executes search warrants without knocking and announcing
LMPD’s street enforcement violates the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures.—Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 15 Apr. 2024 According to the 12-page complaint, the infractions were not repeated.—Nathan Canilao, The Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for infraction
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'infraction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Medieval Latin infraction-, infractio, from Latin, subduing, from infringere to break — more at infringe
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