transgress

[ trans-gres, tranz- ]

verb (used without object)

1. to violate a law, command, moral code, etc.; offend; sin.

   Synonyms: trespass, err

verb (used with object)

1. to pass over or go beyond (a limit, boundary, etc.):

   to transgress bounds of prudence.

2. to go beyond the limits imposed by (a law, command, etc.); violate; infringe:

   to transgress the will of God.

   Synonyms: disobey, contravene

   Antonyms: obey

transgress

/ trænzˈɡrɛs /

verb

1. to break (a law, rule, etc)
2. to go beyond or overstep (a limit)

Derived Forms

• transˈgressor, noun

Other Words From

• trans·gres·sive adjective
• trans·gres·sive·ly adverb
• trans·gres·sor noun
• non·trans·gres·sive adjective
• non·trans·gres·sive·ly adverb
• un·trans·gressed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of transgress¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin trānsgressus (past participle of trānsgredī “to step across”), equivalent to trāns- trans- + -gred- (combining form of gradī “to step”; grade ) + -tus past participle suffix, with dt becoming ss

Word History and Origins

Origin of transgress¹

C16: from Latin transgredī , from trans- + gradī to step

Example Sentences

The court held that “state courts may not transgress the ordinary bounds of judicial review such that they arrogate to themselves the power vested in state legislatures to regulate federal elections.”

From Slate

“What the Israelis realized quickly was that, even as Israel was beginning to transgress the red lines, Hezbollah was sticking very studiously to the rules of engagement,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The high court explained that under the elections clause, “state courts may not transgress the ordinary bounds of judicial review such that they arrogate to themselves the power vested in state legislatures to regulate federal elections.”

From Slate

Taking these points together, it becomes clear that the ordinary bounds of judicial review are capacious, and it would be extraordinarily rare for a state court to transgress them.

From Slate

That was hardly a fringe view in the progressive ethos of the Bay Area, where he was based, though he still managed to transgress the boundaries on a regular basis.

From New York Times