transgression

[trans-gresh-uhn, tranz-]

noun

1. an act of transgressing; violation of a law, command, etc.; sin.

transgression

/ trænzˈɡrɛʃən /

noun

1. a breach of a law, etc; sin or crime

2. the act or an instance of transgressing

Other Word Forms

• nontransgression noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of transgression¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin trānsgressiōn-, stem of trānsgressiō “passage across, transition, violation”; equivalent to transgress + -ion

Synonym Study

See breach.

Example Sentences

Punishments for what are considered transgressions are extremely harsh.

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Are you trying to give people some kind of communal moment of transgression?

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The forest becomes a Garden of Eden, marred by human transgressions.

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She maintains a nuanced sense of humanity’s transgressions and innocence, without demonizing or idealizing either side.

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Her only transgression appears to be her identity as a female Pakistani-American.

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Related Words

• breach 
• crime 
• error 
• fault 
• infraction 
• infringement 
• lapse 
• misdeed 
• misdemeanor 
• sin 
• wrongdoing