An infraction is a minor violation or breaking of a rule. When you commit an infraction, you've crossed a line, but not in a serious or criminal way. At school, arriving late to class or chewing gum might be infractions. In basketball, stepping over the line while inbounding the ball is an infraction that gives possession to the other team.

Infractions are different from major offenses. Getting a speeding ticket is a traffic infraction, while stealing a car is a crime. In sports, an infraction might mean losing a turn or getting a warning, while a major foul could get you ejected from the game entirely.

Most organizations, from your classroom to professional sports leagues, have lists of infractions and their consequences. Teachers might overlook a single infraction but respond more seriously to repeated ones. Understanding what counts as an infraction helps you know where the boundaries are and what happens when you cross them, even accidentally.