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

Like Carl, Akram crosses lines, though his transgressions are fueled by expediency rather than temper. —Judy Berman, Time, 29 May 2025

Old resentments simmer, new transgressions come to light, and the titular swimming pool plays a critical, climactic part. —Gráinne O'Hara Belluomo, Footwear News, 26 May 2025

Think about this not only on this level, but in issues of other types of transgressions, like murder. —James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025

Their transgression, according to the State Department? —Max Saltman, CNN Money, 4 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for transgression

• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• obsession
• oppression

Kids Definition

transgression

noun

trans·​gres·​sion tran(t)s-ˈgresh-ən 

tranz-

: an act, process, or example of transgressing