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 administration’s hostility to the principle and mechanisms of international legal accountability makes eminent if cynical sense in light of its many transgressions. — Anjali Dayal, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Art history as a discipline favors upstarts, the avant-garde, protest, outsiders, and transgression—all those timeless modernisms. — Anna Kornbluh, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Belieu’s poems take place in the unfailingly disappointing real world, lit by the beauty of compromises and transgressions. — Craig Morgan Teicher, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026

An old friend of Toby’s, Burt popped into his office and ended up seeking protection under whistleblower laws for transgressions by his chemical company. — Madeline Boardman, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 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