infraction
in-FRAK-shuhn
/ɪnˈfrækʃən/
A violation or infringement of a law, agreement, or set of rules, typically one that is minor and not classified as a serious crime.
An infraction is usually a minor offense (like jaywalking or parking in a red zone) that is punished by a fine rather than jail time.
The story behind the word. Infraction comes from the Latin 'infringere', which combines 'in-' (into) and 'frangere' (to break). It literally means 'a breaking into' the law. It shares this root with 'fracture' and 'fragile'.
Word relationships
- violation: Violation is a broader term that can describe both minor infractions and major criminal offenses.
- breach: Breach is typically used for contracts, security, or trust, rather than traffic laws.
- compliance: Compliance is the act of obeying rules, whereas an infraction is breaking them.
Commonly confused with
- felony: A felony is a severe crime carrying prison time, whereas an infraction is a minor rule break punished by a fine.
Word family
- infract (verb): To violate or infringe a law or agreement.
Collocations
- minor infraction
- traffic infraction
- commit an infraction
- infraction of the rules
Example sentences
- "A minor traffic infraction, such as failing to signal, rarely results in a criminal record." A legal analysis of minor traffic offenses.
Memory hook
An infraction is like a minor 'fracture' in the legal system—it's a small break of the rules. Infraction is a fraction of a crime.
When not to use
Do not use 'infraction' for major crimes like grand theft or assault, which are felonies or misdemeanors.
Fun facts
- In sports like basketball or soccer, minor rule breaks that do not warrant a penalty card are often referred to as infractions.
Explore more words
infringement, transgression, misdemeanor, infringe, Breach, felony
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