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 Words From

• nontrans·gression 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

The letter also made a reference to a lack of transparency over how money for fines for driving transgressions was being used.

From BBC

Fox rules analyst Mike Pereira called the transgression “vicious” on the TV broadcast.

From Los Angeles Times

Herbert, who has been nursing a sprained right ankle for more than a month, motioned about the transgression to the referee, who threw a flag for roughing the passer.

From Los Angeles Times

Armed with medical records, the Texas government will be able to unleash all manner of hell on women for perceived transgressions against the "moral" order, such as having premarital sex or ending unhappy relationships.

From Salon

Where we fail is in showing that both candidates are not equal in their transgressions.

From Salon

Related Words

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