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

The Bible teaches us to seek forgiveness for transgressions and repentance for our mistakes. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2026

Whitney is willing to let Demi take a mental health day, but for Taylor, this is Demi’s most serious transgression. —Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026

In the lawsuit, Partridge says his only transgression was advising a player to retain a lawyer before the player was interviewed by the NCAA. —Austin Meek, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026

At one point her mother, Ri Sol Ju, appears to gently scold her for some transgression as Kim watches with a broad smile. —Jen Kwon, CBS News, 6 Mar. 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