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Synonyms

infraction

American  
[in-frak-shuhn] / ɪnˈfræk ʃən /

noun

infractions plural
  1. breach; violation; infringement.

    an infraction of the rules.

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


Synonym Usage

See breach.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Inflected Forms

Nouns

Etymology

Origin of infraction

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

Explanation

When you break school rules about gum chewing, you commit an infraction. An infraction is a petty crime or a minor breaking of rules. When you think of the word infraction, think that your offence has just crossed the line into wrong. Something like a parking ticket is an infraction. When you commit an infraction, you're not knee deep in wrong, you've just dipped your toe into wrong to see what it feels like. A misdemeanor is a more serious crime such as theft, and murder is considered a felony, the most serious of crimes.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing infraction

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Thomas explained that illegally parking in a bike lane has always been an infraction, and this system is just helping to hold citizens accountable.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 23, 2026

In other words, faculty can be fired for whatever infraction the school’s governing board decides is a fireable one.

From Salon Jun. 20, 2026

When they were flagged for defensive pass interference against Oregon on Friday night, it marked only their third such infraction this season—in their 15th game.

From The Wall Street Journal Jan. 11, 2026

There was another Blanche infraction this week that is, in many ways, equally shocking, even if it’s not getting the kind of press traction that the Maxwell interview did.

From Slate Nov. 14, 2025

Jonas said the standard phrase automatically, and tried to pay better attention while his mother told of a dream fragment, a disquieting scene where she had been chastised for a rule infraction she didn’t understand.

From "The Giver" by Lois Lowry

Fines for such infractions in West Newport Beach and the Peninsula — dubbed safety enhancement zones — will be tripled through July 6.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 5, 2026

Though she assures readers that students do suffer consequences, including suspension, for infractions, the goal at HVA is for students to understand what they have done wrong and to make amends.

From The Wall Street Journal May 12, 2026

And EPA data shows that its pattern of reported infractions has continued in recent years.

From Salon May 10, 2026

What if they acknowledge the president can fire for cause, but simply argue that infractions must occur when a governor is in office?

From Barron's Jan. 13, 2026

“Chaplain,” he continued, looking up, “we accuse you also of the commission of crimes and infractions we don’t even know about yet. Guilty or innocent?”

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

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