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

• offence
• 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

However, Johnson remains confident that the legislation will help the country shift away from past transgressions. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 1 June 2025

Companies that suddenly change their policies around return-to-office, for example, lead their workers to feel a sense of betrayal and transgression. —Lindsay Phillips, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

Especially not someone like Rose, whose transgressions went far beyond the playing field and included everything from a tax evasion conviction to an extramarital affair with a teenager. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 18 May 2025

Like Carl, Akram crosses lines, though his transgressions are fueled by expediency rather than temper. —Judy Berman, Time, 29 May 2025

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