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

Gerlach and Sister Francis Therese had sued Olson a month earlier, alleging that the bishop defamed Gerlach, invaded their privacy and stole personal electronic devices during his investigation into reports of Gerlach’s transgressions. —Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2024

But the transgression that lands him in an Atlanta courtroom is in no way symbolic of his moral bankruptcy. —Judy Berman, TIME, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

transgression

noun

trans·​gres·​sion tran(t)s-ˈgresh-ən 

tranz-

: an act, process, or example of transgressing