infraction
UK[ɪnˈfrækʃn]US[ɪnˈfrækʃn]
n
A violation or infringement of a law, agreement, or set of rules.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
fract
ion
in
not
fract
break
ion
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'infraction' has a direct and logical lineage from Latin. It originates from the past participle infractus of the verb infringere, which itself is composed of in- (meaning "in, into, against") and frangere (meaning "to break"). Thus, the literal sense is "a breaking into" or "a breach." This concrete meaning of breaking a physical object evolved metaphorically to signify the violation or breach of an abstract law, rule, or agreement. The suffix -ion was added to form a noun describing the act or result of this breach, giving us the modern legal and formal term for a minor violation.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + fract (break) + ion (noun suffix)
- in: A Latin prefix meaning "not" or "into, against." Here, it signifies "against."
- fract: From Latin fractus, the past participle of frangere, meaning "to break."
- ion: A Latin-derived suffix used to form nouns indicating an action or process, or its result.
Examples
The penalty for a minor traffic infraction is usually a fine.
Committing an infraction of the school's code of conduct may result in detention.
The treaty was void after the first serious infraction by either party.