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
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2025
Witkoff had traveled to Russia to help secure the release of Marc Fogel, an American teacher held for 3½ years for a minor medical cannabis infraction.
—Keir Simmons, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025
In response, the OCA excommunicated all foundation officers, an action usually reserved for grave doctrinal infractions.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
Vice Mayor Desire Campbell, the only council member who voted twice against the ban, asked if the council would be willing to lower the penalties for violating the ban to a simple infraction and $100 citation.
—Kyle Martin, The Mercury News, 10 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 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
infraction
noun
Share