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

Her captors keep asking her to confess to the mysterious transgression that has left her to this terrible fate. —Nina Metz Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, 1 June 2025

Wanting to make up for this apparent transgression, Carrie kicks Shoe out of her room and calls up her man for a confession and a redo. —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 30 May 2025

Rather than dwelling in the horror of transgression, his interest is in what lies beyond — in transgression’s intimate life. —Alexandra Kleeman, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025

We were inspired by the themes of allure and transgression, choosing to highlight that tension by filling the historic room with contemporary Italian furnishings and decor. —Blue Carreon, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 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