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 of transgression

• violation
• crime
• sin

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

Of particular note is Niall’s mother, Lori (Neve McIntosh), who joins her ex-girlfriend, Maura (Marianne McIvor), in defending Ruben despite his many transgressions. —Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026

Insiders at the firm started leaking incriminating documents to the Wall Street Journal reporters Clark and Louch, who began publishing evidence of the firm’s transgressions. —Hettie O'Brien, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026

Walt has zero boundaries, and he’s been compiling a list of transgressions against Greg since day one. —Erin Qualey, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026

The court has yet to determine penalties for the transgressions, but the stock price for rival StubHub noticeably ticked up. —Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026

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