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

Campbell also believes that Sorsby's behavior doesn't rise to the level that would justify such action anyway, telling Dakich that schools have let players with much worse transgressions play. —Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026

This applies to both small transgressions as well as major ones. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026

But Rich and John maintain that what we normies might perceive as pure hate is merely Fuentes trolling, using humor as transgression. —Donie O'Sullivan, CNN Money, 6 June 2026

Those types of betting activities are considered the most serious transgressions and normally carry a permanent loss of eligibility. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 May 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