1 infract | Definition of infract
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infraction

noun
in·​frac·​tion | \ in-ˈfrak-shÉ™n How to pronounce infraction (audio) \

Definition of infraction

: the act of infringing : violation
Other Words from infraction Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about infraction

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Other Words from infraction

infract \ in-​ˈfrakt How to pronounce infract (audio) \ transitive verb

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

speeding is only a minor infraction, but vehicular homicide is a serious felony

Recent Examples on the Web

 Court records indicate Owens has no criminal history in Santa Cruz County, beyond five minor traffic infractions dating from 2003 to 2018. — Nick Ibarra, The Mercury News, "Woman booked for murder in Santa Cruz County," 26 Aug. 2019 Uber noticed that accidents and traffic infractions spiked after the company began the Xchange leasing program. — Mike Isaac, New York Times, "How Uber Got Lost," 24 Aug. 2019 But a ticket could be issued if the vehicle is stopped for another traffic infraction. — Rick Pearson, chicagotribune.com, "People can now be fined for smoking in cars carrying minors in Illinois," 23 Aug. 2019 Police charged the man with OVI and cited him for the traffic infractions. — cleveland.com, "Jewelry stolen from burglarized home: Shaker Heights Police Blotter," 9 Aug. 2019 Kaluuya and Turner-Smith star as Slim and Queen, who are on a first first date together in Ohio when they are pulled over for a minor traffic infraction. — Kimberly Nordyke, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Queen & Slim' Trailer: Daniel Kaluuya Goes on the Run After Killing a Cop in Self-Defense," 24 June 2019 If someone was sent to jail for a traffic infraction, which usually fall under a Class C misdemeanor, he or she would not be flagged for ICE by jail employees. — James Barragán, Dallas News, "Tarrant County will keep alerting ICE to unauthorized immigrant arrests despite strong opposition," 17 June 2019 Scott wasn’t cited with a traffic infraction nor is there a police report on a car crash involving the rapper. — Jose Lambiet, miamiherald, "Rapper Travis Scott: Miami car rental company tried to extort me," 5 June 2018 The case dates back to 2014, when Terrence Byrd was stopped by police for a minor traffic infraction. — CNN, "Supreme Court upholds privacy rights for unauthorized rental car drivers in search and seizure case," 14 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'infraction.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of infraction

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for infraction

Middle English, from Medieval Latin infraction-, infractio, from Latin, subduing, from infringere to break — more at infringe

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More Definitions for infraction

infraction

noun
How to pronounce infraction (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of infraction

formal : an act that breaks a rule or law

See the full definition for infraction in the English Language Learners Dictionary

infraction

noun
in·​frac·​tion | \ in-ˈfrak-shÉ™n How to pronounce infraction (audio) \

Kids Definition of infraction

: violation an infraction of the rules

infraction

noun
in·​frac·​tion | \ in-ˈfrak-shÉ™n How to pronounce infraction (audio) \

Legal Definition of infraction

: the act of infringing : violation

Other Words from infraction

infract \ -​ˈfrakt How to pronounce infract (audio) \ transitive verb

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More from Merriam-Webster on infraction

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for infraction

Spanish Central: Translation of infraction

Nglish: Translation of infraction for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of infraction for Arabic Speakers

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