transgressive

American  

[trans-gres-iv, tranz-] / trænsˈgrɛs ɪv, trænz- /

adjective

1. violating or challenging socially accepted standards of behavior, belief, morality, or taste: Transgressive fiction focuses on characters who feel confined by the norms and expectations of society and who break free in unusual ways.

   We welcome those who are engaged in consensual, albeit transgressive sexualities.

   Transgressive fiction focuses on characters who feel confined by the norms and expectations of society and who break free in unusual ways.

2. violating a law, rule, command, or duty, or causing harm by doing so.

   We need to develop principled arguments that demonstrate the essentially transgressive nature of activities that damage the natural environment.

---

transgressive British  

/ ˌtrænzˈɡrɛsɪv /

adjective

1. going beyond acceptable boundaries of taste, convention, or the law

   transgressive art

   transgressive pursuits

---

Other Word Forms

• transgressively
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of transgressive

First recorded in 1640–50; transgress ( def. ) + -ive ( def. )

Explanation

Transgressive things go against the rules. Letting your dog romp around on the town tennis courts is transgressive, especially when the "No Dogs Allowed" sign is very obvious. Being transgressive means you're violating a rule, law, standard, or expectation. Sometimes transgressive behavior is dangerous, like a transgressive driver who likes to speed through school zones. But often it's just unexpected, disturbing, and maybe even offensive, like transgressive art that seeks to shock its viewers. Either way, it goes beyond the usual boundaries; the Latin root, transgredi, means "go beyond."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

transgressive

Platner’s transgressions were part of his transgressive appeal.

From Slate ● Jul. 7, 2026

At its best, Christianity has consistently been on the side of the transgressive and the truth-teller, the one who will not remain silent.

From Salon ● Jun. 5, 2026

We were part of a very insular, transgressive underground art scene.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 30, 2026

A re-recorded Rock Lobster became a minor hit, followed by similarly danceable, subtly transgressive, B-movie party classics like Dance This Mess Around, Give Me Back My Man and Mesopotamia.

From BBC ● Mar. 17, 2026

Achillini’s brilliance and the transgressive character of his thought were summarized in a popular saying: ‘It is either the devil or Achillini.’

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton