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

Also under exploration were ideas to limit fines in poorer communities and end stops for minor infractions, such as expired tags or air fresheners hanging from the rearview mirror.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As a collective they are cruel, taunting and beating the hostages, denying them food for the slightest infraction.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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.”

Read more on 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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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