ENGLISH
REFERENCE

infraction

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

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.

Synonyms
Origin

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

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