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

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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They reviewed the schooling and positive programs he had been involved with in prison, along with transgressions he had while in lockup, including prison fights and being found multiple times with contraband.

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But is that duality of reaping the business benefits while pushing on the human rights transgressions, even possible?

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Was he trying to assuage his guilt for some transgression?

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Related Words

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