transgression

noun

trans·​gres·​sion tran(t)s-ˈgre-shən How to pronounce transgression (audio)
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

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 Our first and third assistant directors, Dag and Daniel (respectively), take note of each absurdity, transgression, and impossible ask, along with Anita (Aya Cash), a producer on the rise. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2024 The series follows journalist Catherine Ravenscroft (Blanchett), who built her reputation by revealing the misdeeds and transgressions of others. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2024 After threatening to kill him for his transgression, Oz eventually agrees to let Vic prove himself — to test him to see if Vic can run with him to help Oz ascend to the pinnacle of criminal power of Gotham. Diego Ramos Bechara, Variety, 20 Sep. 2024 An exaggerated honesty, perhaps, that could be mistaken for transgression? Hugo Hamilton, The New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for transgression 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'transgression.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of transgression was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near transgression

Cite this Entry

“Transgression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transgression. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

transgression

noun
trans·​gres·​sion tran(t)s-ˈgresh-ən How to pronounce transgression (audio)
tranz-
: an act, process, or example of transgressing

More from Merriam-Webster on transgression

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!