transgress

play

verb trans·gress \ tran(t)s-ˈgres , tranz- \

Definition of transgress

intransitive verb

1 :to violate a command or law :sin

2 :to go beyond a boundary or limit

transitive verb

1 :to go beyond limits set or prescribed by :violate

transgress divine law

2 :to pass beyond or go over (a limit or boundary)

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transgressive

play \-ˈgre-siv\ adjective

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transgressor

play \-ˈgre-sər\ noun

See transgress defined for English-language learners

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Examples of transgress in a Sentence

He who transgresses must seek forgiveness.
There are legal consequences for companies that transgress the rules.

Recent Examples of transgress from the Web

For me, that's proof that talking about love is transgressing, even nowadays.

— billboard brazil, Billboard, "Brazil's Johnny Hooker Was 'Stunned' by YouTube Censorship: Interview," 1 Aug. 2017
But transcending caste and class can sometimes feel like transgressing, and the students in this mini-series speak eloquently and with startling maturity about the confusion and alienation of navigating between different social worlds.

— margaret lyons, New York Times, "How Much Watching Time Do You Have This Weekend?," 23 July 2017
The Red Wedding transgressed civilized norms of hospitality.

— the tylt, cleveland.com, "Are American politics worse than they are on 'Game of Thrones'?," 17 July 2017
Harvard has proven that there is an oppressive force to transgress.

— jeff yang, CNN, "Harvard's ouster of bigoted students was the right call," 6 June 2017
In seemingly trying to talk in generalities about or around Sutton, Snyder lapsed and transgressed into one of the most personal of areas.

— vahe gregorian, kansascity.com, "Vahe Gregorian: For once, control eludes Bill Snyder," 2 June 2017
Anyone who believes that the laws of physics are mere social conventions is invited to try transgressing those conventions from the windows of my apartment.

— george f. will, The Mercury News, "Will: Why academia may be beyond satire," 11 Jan. 2017
Wenger felt Pardew had been a little too confrontational in his joy and refused to shake hands, thus transgressing the code himself, making for an ugly, undignified afternoon all around.

— rory smith, New York Times, "Humiliation Is in the Air as Chelsea Routs Manchester United," 23 Oct. 2016
Whosoever knowingly disregards or transgresses upon this ordinance, shall be punished by the court authorities’ confiscating such barrels of beer, without fail.

— betsy mason, WIRED, "April 23, 1516: Bavaria Cracks Down on Beer Brewers," 23 Apr. 2010

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'transgress.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of transgress

Middle English, from Middle French transgresser, from Latin transgressus, past participle of transgredi to step beyond or across, from trans- + gradi to step — more at grade

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First Known Use: 15th century

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