transgress

[trans-gres, tranz-]

verb (used without object)

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

   Synonyms: trespass, err

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

/ trænzˈɡrɛs /

verb

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

2. to go beyond or overstep (a limit)

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of transgress¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of transgress¹

C16: from Latin transgredī , from _trans- + gradī to step

Example Sentences

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

Read more on 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.

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"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.

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

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times