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.
Drivers who don't stay far enough away from plows are guilty of a civil infraction with a fine $100. Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 5 Dec. 2024 Traffic infractions against Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill — which escalated to a tense police confrontation caught on video two months ago — were summarily dismissed on Monday when officers didn't come to court, records showed. David K. Li, NBC News, 26 Nov. 2024 The Colts had 98 yards of offense wiped away by infractions, including a 21-yard catch by tight end Kylen Granson in the first quarter, a 19-yard run by running back Jonathan Taylor in the second quarter and a 30-yard reception by wide receiver Josh Downs in the third quarter. James Boyd, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024 Since her incarceration, Smith has faced disciplinary actions for multiple infractions, including drug use and fraternizing with guards, which may factor into the parole board's decision. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 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 21 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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