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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
Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer, 30 May 2025
Most were pulled over for minor traffic infractions: following too closely, going 10 miles per hour over the speed limit, stopping on the side of the highway.
—Hannah Critchfield, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2025
The government has attempted to revoke legal status for thousands of international students, many of whom appeared to draw federal scrutiny due to minor legal infractions — though a federal judge has halted that practice.
—CBS News, 28 May 2025
Prince lost 12 other days’ pay, including for the same transit post infraction and for logbook issues.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 28 May 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 3 Jun. 2025.
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infraction
noun
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