transgression

noun

trans·​gres·​sion tran(t)s-ˈgre-shən 

tranz-

: an act, process, or instance of transgressing: such as

a

: infringement or violation of a law, command, or duty

b

: the spread of the sea over land areas and the consequent unconformable deposit of sediments on older rocks

Synonyms

• breach
• crime
• debt
• error
• lawbreaking
• malefaction
• misdeed
• misdoing
• offense
• offence
• sin
• trespass
• violation
• wrongdoing

Examples of transgression in a Sentence

acts that are transgressions against the laws of civilized societies everywhere

a dying woman asking for divine forgiveness for a lifetime of transgressions

Recent Examples on the Web

The fallout of the incident felt unnecessarily drawn out, with some even becoming openly suspicious of the reasoning behind some outlets, platforms, and fellow movie fans repeatedly bringing up Smith’s transgression months and years after its occurrence. —Rivea Ruff, Essence, 7 June 2024

While Fox’s incessant repetition of the word disruptor can grate, the show packs more creativity, wit, and transgression into each half-hour than Runway and its imitators have mustered in years. —Judy Berman, TIME, 31 May 2024

Dixon has apologized for her transgressions with each mayoral bid. —Hannah Gaskill, Baltimore Sun, 2 May 2024

Dozens of women came forward on social media, to each other and to NPR, fed up with the industry's tolerance of men's transgressions and predatory behavior. —Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 28 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

transgression

noun

trans·​gres·​sion tran(t)s-ˈgresh-ən 

tranz-

: an act, process, or example of transgressing