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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.
Synonyms
Examples of infraction in a Sentence
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.
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“Infraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infraction. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
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infraction
noun
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