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

We wanted it to be funny and transgressive and unexpected, but we also wanted it to be poignant.

From Los Angeles Times

“It shakes our trust in future rewards and makes us seek out more impulsive and immediate gratification behaviors, like spending or doing something slightly bad or transgressive,” Clayman said.

From Salon

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