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

Detailed accounts of those transgressions had been published by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN on Friday, confirming rumors that had swirled in political media for several days. —Dan Walters, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026

Her more than a decade long relationship with Max has come to a dead end, though Morgan’s transgressions with the crime ring have caused more issues than anticipated. —Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026

Should they be punished for the transgressions of the men? —Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026

Under some guise of urgency—an unpaid fine or other transgression—the victim would be directed to download an app that closely mimics the institution’s real one. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 7 Apr. 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