Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

infraction

/ɪnˈfɹækʃən/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 2.90 in modern English

Syllables: in-frac-tion
IPA: /ɪnˈfɹækʃən/

15

Scrabble Score

10

Letters

3

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A minor offence, petty crime.

noun

A violation; breach.

noun

A major violation of rules which leads to a penalty, if detected by the referee.

Example Sentences

"Even stealing a pack of gum is an infraction in the eyes of the law."
"Pretending a litterbug and a spree killer have committed equivalent infractions doesn’t make people safer."
"A team's first infraction could mean a fine of up to $25,000."

Etymology

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

Origin

Source language: Middle French

Word Breakdown

Root: *bʰreg-, infraction, infractio

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ɪnˈfɹækʃən/
British English: /ɪnˈfɹakʃən/

Inflected Forms

infractions (plural)

Derived Forms

infractional noninfraction

Phrases

neutral-zone infraction

Frequently Paired Words

infringe infringement infarction

Synonyms

misdemeanor misdemeanour violation infringement

Rhymes With

action reaction interaction transaction satisfaction attraction fraction extraction faction distraction traction contraction

Questions

How do you pronounce infraction?: The recorded pronunciation is /ɪnˈfɹækʃən/.
What does infraction mean?: A minor offence, petty crime.
Where does infraction come from?: It is traced to Middle French.

How to pronounce infraction

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “infraction”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ɪnˈfɹækʃən/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “infraction”.
Repeat and practice — Say “infraction” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.