transgression

trans·gres·sion | \ tran(t)s-ˈgre-shən

How to pronounce transgression (audio)

, tranz- \

Definition of transgression

: 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 & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about transgression

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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 My parents, from an older generation, believed spankings were one tool in a parent’s arsenal of discipline choices — to be used fairly and sparingly when the transgression rose to the occasion. — Tanika Davis, baltimoresun.com, "To spank or not to spank? Why this African American mom will choose not to," 2 Oct. 2019 That may not happen until after the alleged transgressions are long forgotten. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Bry, Gloria scrap over campaign finances, endorsement," 23 Aug. 2019 Much more common are transgressions of unwritten rules guiding boater behavior. — Shannon Tompkins, ExpressNews.com, "On the water, be safe and be nice, too," 20 July 2019 But however egregious the transgression or profound the suffering, no statute or doctrine says these injuries matter, legally speaking. — Dov Fox, Vox, "The legal limbo of lost embryos," 3 July 2019 Here’s the thing: In the grand scheme of the 2020 campaign, these transgressions by Biden are pretty minor. — NBC News, "Democratic rivals pile on Biden," 6 June 2019 The latest developments from the courtroom: Judge rejects defense's fifth motion for a mistrial Judge Steven O'Neill rejected the defense's fifth attempt to stop the trial over an alleged transgression by the prosecution team or its witnesses. — Jayme Deerwester, USA TODAY, "Bill Cosby retrial, Day 9: Defense resumes case, fails on 5th bid for mistrial," 19 Apr. 2018 Garrett’s camp will argue that no player has ever been suspended indefinitely for an on-field transgression, according to NFL Network. — Mary Kay Cabot, cleveland, "Roger Goodell the morning after Myles Garrett’s incident: ‘There’s no place for that in the game’," 18 Nov. 2019 Walton, who was suspended four games by the NFL on Monday for three offseason arrests, worked his way past off-field transgressions to become the team’s starting running back last month. — Safid Deen, sun-sentinel.com, "Something went wrong with Kenyan Drake and Dolphins, but neither is looking back," 5 Nov. 2019

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

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Dictionary Entries near transgression

transhistorical

Statistics for transgression

Last Updated

6 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Transgression.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transgression. Accessed 14 December 2019.

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to assail by words or arguments

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