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

Explanation

When you go beyond the boundaries, either physically or morally, you transgress. A river will transgress its banks as it floods, and students who cheat transgress school rules. Transgress sounds like and means nearly the same thing as trespass. When you transgress a rule, you're breaking it. Religions often talk about transgressing: for Christians, breaking a commandment is transgressing against God by violating his wishes. Any transgression is pushing through a boundary: like a neighbor transgressing by letting their dog into your yard: that's a physical and a legal type of transgressing. The dog got into your territory, and the owners broke a rule.

Example Sentences

The Scottish Enlightenment philosopher, David Hume, for example, argued that suicide did not transgress a person's duty "to God, our neighbour, or ourselves".

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

I’m always fascinated by what society does to allow themselves to do whatever to transgress.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2023

Rather, institutional principle and precedent predominate in the criminal courts over those who would transgress them.

From Slate • Oct. 21, 2022

“It could be another previous life, or some harm done to you, or a lack of self-knowledge that makes us transgress on our worldview,” he said.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 27, 2022

Heraclitus says, “Not even the sun will transgress his orbit but the Erinyes, the ministers of justice, overtake him.”

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton