infraction

[in-frak-shuhn]

noun

1. breach; violation; infringement.

   an infraction of the rules.

2. Medicine/Medical.,  an incomplete fracture of a bone.

Other Word Forms

• noninfraction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of infraction¹

First recorded in 1615–25, infraction is from the Latin word infrāctiōn- (stem of infrāctiō ). See infract, -ion

Synonym Study

See breach.

Example Sentences

According to a report on its findings, ICE “routinely isolates people for minor infractions, transforming what should be civil administrative proceedings into punishment systems that operate without criminal conviction, due process protections, or proportional sentencing.”

From Los Angeles Times

The resulting cascade on the court system has been compounded by Pirro’s push for prosecutors to bring the harshest charges allowable, even for minor infractions.

From Salon

Students qualify for prison education programs only once they have a record of good behavior, and even minor infractions can get them kicked out.

From Los Angeles Times

The “connection with the outside world was far greater than the consequences of me getting caught with the phone,” he said, referring to another infraction brought up by the parole board.

From Salon

While the administration continues to say it is prioritising those with criminal histories, immigration advocates have warned that many with no criminal charges or only minor infractions have been caught up in the sweeps.

From BBC

Related Words

• breach 
• crime 
• error 
• infringement 
• lapse 
• offense 
• sin 
• transgression