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

• breach
• crime
• debt
• error
• lawbreaking
• malefaction
• misdeed
• misdoing
• offense
• offence
• sin
• trespass
• violation
• wrongdoing

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

Watch on Deadline That is, until Hal takes things into his own hands by informing the President of Penn’s transgressions. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024

My sense is that people infatuated with this tinpot Marxist analysis enjoy the rush of feeling like the naughty provocateur without paying any real price for transgression. —Lily Burana, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024

And then he is essentially penalized for his transgressions with — spoiler alert — death by laser. —Fran Tirado, Them, 15 Oct. 2024

Douglas did eventually walk over and receive some pets from Mendes, who forgave him for his transgressions. —EW.com, 19 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

transgression

noun

trans·​gres·​sion tran(t)s-ˈgresh-ən 

tranz-

: an act, process, or example of transgressing