Infraction Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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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.
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| violation |
Use in both legal and informal contexts to describe breaking rules, laws, or norms; can be used for serious or minor issues.
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| breach |
Use when describing a break or failure in a more formal or contractual setting, often referring to agreements or security.
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| 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.
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| breach |
Typically used to describe a serious violation or breaking of a contract, trust, or law. Often found in legal and business contexts.
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| 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.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'infraction'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'infraction' originated from the Latin word 'infrahere', which means 'to break'. It entered the English language in the mid-15th century with the meaning of 'act of breaking'. Over time, it evolved to specifically refer to minor violations or breaches of rules or laws. The legal term 'infraction' became commonly used in the 20th century to describe minor offenses punishable by fines. In a school setting, 'infraction' is often used to address minor rule violations by students.