transgressive

[ trans-gres-iv, tranz- ]

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

/ ˌtrænzˈɡrɛsɪv /

adjective

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

   transgressive art

   transgressive pursuits

Derived Forms

• transˈgressively, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of transgressive¹

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

Example Sentences

If Trump’s campaign was focused on handing out tax breaks and lowering gas prices, he’d be losing, because for his base, none of that yawn-inducing policy stuff is transgressive enough to be exciting.

From Salon

I think “Vertigo” is better because it is more f**ked up, and more weird, and transgressive.

From Salon

Trump entertained with transgressive language; the Democrats adhered to the “norms of civility.”

From Salon

The narrator is a successful, “semifamous” artist creating transgressive work, married to a man named Harris and parent to 7-year-old Sam.

From Seattle Times

So if we read it with that interpretation, we can maybe say that this is kind of a transgressive act.

From Salon