transgress

American  

[trans-gres, tranz-] / trænsˈgrɛs, trænz- /

verb (used without object)

1. to violate a law, command, moral code, etc.; offend; sin.

   Synonyms:

   trespass , err

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verb (used with object)

1. to pass over or go beyond (a limit, boundary, etc.).

   to transgress bounds of prudence.

2. to go beyond the limits imposed by (a law, command, etc.); violate; infringe.

   to transgress the will of God.

   Synonyms:

   disobey , contravene

   Antonyms:

   obey

transgress British  

/ trænzˈɡrɛs /

verb

1. to break (a law, rule, etc)

2. to go beyond or overstep (a limit)

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Other Word Forms

• nontransgressive adjective
• nontransgressively adverb
• transgressive adjective
• transgressively adverb
• transgressor noun
• untransgressed adjective

Etymology

Origin of transgress

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin trānsgressus (past participle of trānsgredī “to step across”), equivalent to trāns- trans- + -gred- (combining form of gradī “to step”; grade ) + -tus past participle suffix, with dt becoming ss

Example Sentences

He’s gone beyond transgressing political and presidential norms to openly trampling on the Constitution.

From Los Angeles Times

"We are eager to hold accountable those who transgressed and abused our Druze people because they are under the protection and responsibility of the state," he said.

From BBC

"We are eager to hold accountable those who transgressed and abused our Druze people because they are under the protection and responsibility of the state," he said.

From BBC

Sharaa ended the speech by promising that the government was "keen on holding accountable those who transgressed and abused our Druze people".

From BBC

It matters less to me that we transgress, that we fall back or fall prey to our lesser angels.

From Los Angeles Times