infraction

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A minor breaking of a rule, law, or agreement.

   Grammar: Countable: one infraction, several infractions. Often followed by 'of'.

   Patterns

   • an infraction of a rule
   • commit an infraction
   • a minor infraction
   • a traffic infraction

   The referee called an infraction when the player touched the ball with his hand.

   She received a ticket for a minor traffic infraction.

   Repeated infractions of the school rules can lead to suspension.

2. 2nouncountablesport

   In sports, a minor foul or breach of the rules.

   Grammar: Countable; often used in basketball, soccer, and other sports.

   Patterns

   • commit an infraction
   • a defensive infraction
   • an infraction against a player

   The team was penalized for a defensive infraction.

   The coach argued that the infraction was not intentional.

   Each infraction gives the other team a free kick.

Word forms

Common combinations

minor infraction

Parking in the wrong spot is a minor infraction.

traffic infraction

He had to pay a fine for a traffic infraction.

commit an infraction

If you commit an infraction, you may receive a warning.

infraction of the rules

Any infraction of the rules will be punished.

Synonyms and how they differ

violation

A more formal and general word for breaking a rule or law; 'infraction' often suggests something less serious.

breach

Often used for contracts or security; 'breach' can be more serious than an infraction.

foul

Used mainly in sports for a physical or rule-breaking play; 'infraction' is broader.

Opposites

Word family

infract verb

To break a rule or law (rare).

infractor noun

A person who commits an infraction (rare).

Commonly confused: infraction or infarction?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “infraction”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words