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)

Derived Forms

• transˈgressor, noun

Other Words From

• 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

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

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.

From 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.

From Washington Blade

In essence, feeling affection or admiration for a villain allows us to transgress without actually transgressing in the real world.

From Vox

Those who are willing to transgress against the established codes force the rules to change.

From 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.

From Fortune

But does he transgress defining ideological litmus tests and potentially put himself beyond the pale of party acceptability?

From The Daily Beast

How dare she transgress against the sacred appeal of extreme physical and mental pain?

From The Daily Beast

For I know that transgressing thou wilt transgress, and I have called thee a transgressor from the womb.

From Project Gutenberg

For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress.

From Project Gutenberg

They will observe human laws punctiliously, but the laws of God they transgress without the flicker of an eyelid.

From Project Gutenberg

It is only the few who transgress; and thus many absurdities are never or very rarely dragged into the light of a "decision."

From Project Gutenberg

But one day finding himself near it, the temptation to transgress was irresistible.

From Project Gutenberg