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

It does its best to misbehave, transgressing between the real and the imaginary, between emotions dangerously raw and overcooked, breaking boundaries between what we call classical music and what we don’t.

From Los Angeles Times

“Already in that early school exercise, he was transgressing all the principles that we knew.”

From Los Angeles Times

“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

“Steps will also be taken against other learners who may have transgressed certain provisions within the code of conduct,” she added.

From BBC

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