transgress

[ trans-gres, tranz- ]

See synonyms for: transgress transgressed on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)

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

verb (used with object)

to pass over or go beyond (a limit, boundary, etc.): to transgress bounds of prudence.
to go beyond the limits imposed by (a law, command, etc.); violate; infringe: to transgress the will of God.

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”; see grade) + -tus past participle suffix, with dt becoming ss

Other words for transgress

1	err, trespass
3	contravene, disobey

See synonyms for transgress on Thesaurus.com

Opposites for transgress

obey

See antonyms for transgress on Thesaurus.com

Other words from transgress

trans·gres·sive, adjective
trans·gres·sive·ly, adverb
trans·gres·sor, noun
non·trans·gres·sive, adjective
non·trans·gres·sive·ly, adverb
un·trans·gressed, adjective

Words Nearby transgress

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use transgress in a sentence

In the realm of morality and politics, people usually “express outrage when they feel that someone has transgressed against their sense of right and wrong,” Brady explains.
Social media really is making us more morally outraged | Charlotte Hu | August 13, 2021 | Popular-Science
The exhibition combines prints, photographs, and books to tell the stories of past heroines and modern trailblazers, celebrating women throughout history who broke rules, transgressed boundaries, and insisted upon recognition of their human rights.
D.C. summer ablaze with events, concerts, art | Prince Chingarande | July 15, 2021 | Washington Blade
In essence, feeling affection or admiration for a villain allows us to transgress without actually transgressing in the real world.
Why it’s so satisfying to root for Disney villains | Aja Romano | May 28, 2021 | Vox
Those who are willing to transgress against the established codes force the rules to change.
Why the tailored suit — not ruffles and lace — became synonymous with power | Robin Givhan | May 21, 2021 | Washington Post
We will have the space and time to transgress some of the differences or issues that are perhaps today not the top priority.
The World Health Organization is leaning on big tech to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic | Nicole Goodkind | October 1, 2020 | Fortune

But does he transgress defining ideological litmus tests and potentially put himself beyond the pale of party acceptability?
A Thinner Chris Christie Still Faces Big Political Challenges | Robert Shrum | May 10, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
How dare she transgress against the sacred appeal of extreme physical and mental pain?
Leave Elizabeth Alone | Lee Siegel | January 11, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
For I know that transgressing thou wilt transgress, and I have called thee a transgressor from the womb.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version | Various
For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress.
The Ordinance of Covenanting | John Cunningham
They will observe human laws punctiliously, but the laws of God they transgress without the flicker of an eyelid.
Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians | Martin Luther
It is only the few who transgress; and thus many absurdities are never or very rarely dragged into the light of a "decision."
The College, the Market, and the Court | Caroline H. Dall
But one day finding himself near it, the temptation to transgress was irresistible.
The Science of Fairy Tales | Edwin Sidney Hartland

British Dictionary definitions for transgress

transgress

/ (trænzˈɡrɛs) /

verb

to break (a law, rule, etc)
to go beyond or overstep (a limit)

Origin of transgress

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

Derived forms of transgress

transgressor, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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