Infraction: meaning, definitions and examples
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infraction
[ɪnˈfrækʃən ]
Definitions
legal term
An infraction is a violation or breaking of a rule or law. It is a minor offense that usually results in a fine rather than jail time. Infractions are often traffic violations or other minor breaches of regulations.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| infraction |
Use in legal or formal contexts to refer to minor or petty violations of rules or laws.
|
| violation |
Use in both legal and informal contexts to describe breaking rules, laws, or norms; can be used for serious or minor issues.
|
| breach |
Use when describing a break or failure in a more formal or contractual setting, often referring to agreements or security.
|
| offense |
Use to describe actions that go against moral or social codes; often carries a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The police officer issued a ticket for the infraction of speeding.
- Jaywalking is considered an infraction in some cities.
- If you commit an infraction, you may have to pay a fine.
school setting
In a school setting, an infraction refers to a minor rule violation by a student. It can range from tardiness to failure to complete homework. Schools often have a system of consequences for different types of infractions.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| infraction |
Usually used in legal or formal settings to describe minor violations of rules or laws. It often indicates a less severe wrongdoing.
|
| violation |
Used in legal, regulatory, and everyday contexts to describe breaking a rule, law, or agreement. Covers a wide range of severities.
|
| breach |
Typically used to describe a serious violation or breaking of a contract, trust, or law. Often found in legal and business contexts.
|
| offense |
Generally used to describe an action that is illegal or morally wrong. Can be minor or severe and is often used in both legal and everyday contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- Talking in class is considered an infraction of school rules.
- Skipping detention can result in further infractions.
- The school has a policy for dealing with student infractions.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'infra' meaning 'below' and 'fractus' meaning 'broken', indicating a breaking beneath the level of serious offenses.
- It was first used in English in the late 19th century to describe minor breaches of law or regulations.
Law
- Infractions typically involve penalties like fines rather than imprisonment, making them less severe than misdemeanors.
- Traffic violations are common examples of infractions, such as speeding or running a red light.
Education
- In school settings, infractions can include tardiness or minor disruptions, which often lead to warnings rather than severe punishments.
- Teachers may keep a log of infractions to monitor student behavior over time.
Pop Culture
- Infractions are often depicted in movies and TV shows, where characters face humorous consequences for minor rule-breaking.
- In sports, a player receiving a penalty for a small foul is experiencing an infraction according to the rules of the game.
Psychology
- Understanding infractions can help in behavior management, as people often respond better to corrective feedback than harsh punishment.
- The concept of infractions aligns with theories of behavioral economics, where minor rule violations can be analyzed for patterns in decision-making.
Translations
Translations of the word "infraction" in other languages:
🇵🇹 infração
🇮🇳 उल्लंघन
🇩🇪 Verstoß
🇮🇩 pelanggaran
🇺🇦 порушення
🇵🇱 naruszenie
🇯🇵 違反 (いはん)
🇫🇷 infraction
🇪🇸 infracción
🇹🇷 ihlal
🇰🇷 위반 (위반)
🇸🇦 مخالفة
🇨🇿 přestupek
🇸🇰 priestupok
🇨🇳 违规 (wéiguī)
🇸🇮 kršitev
🇮🇸 brot
🇰🇿 бұзушылық
🇬🇪 დარღვევა
🇦🇿 pozuntu
🇲🇽 infracción