infraction
nounUK /ɪnˈfɹakʃən/ · US /ɪnˈfɹækʃən/
Etymology From Middle French infraction, from Latin infractio, from infractum, past participle of infringere, from in (“in”) + frangere (“to break”).
1
Law A minor offence, petty crime.
- Even stealing a pack of gum is an infraction in the eyes of the law.
- Pretending a litterbug and a spree killer have committed equivalent infractions doesn’t make people safer.2021 January 8, Nicole Hemmer, “The striking parallels between the assaults on Charlottesville and the Capitol”, in CNN:
2
A violation; breach.
- A team's first infraction could mean a fine of up to $25,000.2016 October 9, Ahiza Garcia, “NFL teams may now get fined for their social media posts”, in CNN Business, archived from the original on 28 May 2025:
3
Hobbies, Ice hockey, Lifestyle, Skating, Sports A major violation of rules which leads to a penalty, if detected by the referee.
- Derived terms
- infractional, neutral-zone infraction, noninfraction
- Related terms
- infringe, infringement, infarction