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 Kia driver was issued an infraction for failure to drive a reasonable distance apart resulting in a motor vehicle accident and failure to move over for emergency vehicles, according to state police.—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 29 July 2024 Running a red light is an infraction in Idaho and comes with a $90 fine.—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 18 July 2024 If the agency determines that a violation has occurred, the hotel or event center could be fined $100 for each infraction against an employee.—Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 16 July 2024 Federal prosecutors argue that Rivera was working to further Maduro’s interests without registering with the U.S. Justice Department as a foreign agent — an infraction that carries a sentence of up to five years in prison.—Max Greenwood, Miami Herald, 13 July 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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