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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.
Examples of infraction in a Sentence
Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025
Many agencies allow officers to chase at high-speed for any infraction, no matter how minor.
—Bill Lukitsch, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2025
Penalties have hurt the Terriers at times this season and they were whistled for six more infractions, but held Ohio State to 1-for-6 with the man advantage.
—Barry Scanlon, Boston Herald, 27 Mar. 2025
Going to a doctor or clinic to the hospital will get your immigration infraction flagged for ICE.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for infraction
Cite this Entry
“Infraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infraction. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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infraction
noun
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