English Reference
Noun

infraction

n.
C1 Advanced US /ˌɪnˈfɹækʃən/ UK /ɪnfɹˈækʃən/ in·frac·tion UK spelling infractions Law

n.a small crime or a rule that someone has broken. It is usually a less serious problem than a major crime.

n.a violation of a law, rule, or regulation, typically one that is minor in nature.


SIMPLE

The driver received a fine for a minor traffic infraction.

CONTEXTUAL

The school principal warned the student that repeated infractions of the dress code would result in a suspension.

COMPLEX

While the individual acts were minor infractions of the local ordinances, the cumulative effect of such behavior across the neighborhood led to a formal investigation by the city council.

Efforts to restrict immigration, deport foreign nationals and crack down on civil immigration infractions have become a hallmark of Trump’s second term.

Al Jazeera· 5 Sept 2026

But if the issue involves complaints from multiple residents for a problem neighbour, the city can step in, especially if it involves a by-law infraction.

Toronto Sun· 16 Aug 2026

From Middle French infraction, from Latin infractio, from infractum, past participle of infringere, from in (“in”) + frangere (“to break”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin infractio
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated