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transgress

verb
trans·​gress | \ tran(t)s-ˈgres How to pronounce transgress (audio) , tranz-\
transgressed; transgressing; transgresses

Definition of transgress

intransitive verb

1 : to violate a command or law : sin
2 : to go beyond a boundary or limit

transitive verb

1 : to go beyond limits set or prescribed by : violate transgress divine law
2 : to pass beyond or go over (a limit or boundary)
Other Words from transgress Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about transgress

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Other Words from transgress

transgressive \ tran(t)s-​ˈgre-​siv How to pronounce transgressive (audio) , tranz-​ \ adjective
transgressor \ tran(t)s-​ˈgre-​sər How to pronounce transgressor (audio) , tranz-​ \ noun

Synonyms for transgress

Synonyms

err, fall, offend, sin, stray, trespass, wander

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Examples of transgress in a Sentence

He who transgresses must seek forgiveness. There are legal consequences for companies that transgress the rules.

Recent Examples on the Web

 In India, transgressing such boundaries sometimes provokes violence. — Joanna Slater, Washington Post, "A young Indian couple married for love. Then the bride’s father hired assassins.," 19 Aug. 2019 If Mr Lovejoy and Mr Nobre are right, that could be disastrous—once the tipping-point is transgressed, much of the rest of the forest could follow in just a matter of decades. — The Economist, "The Amazon is approaching an irreversible tipping point," 1 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'transgress.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of transgress

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

History and Etymology for transgress

Middle English, from Middle French transgresser, from Latin transgressus, past participle of transgredi to step beyond or across, from trans- + gradi to step — more at grade

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More Definitions for transgress

transgress

verb
How to pronounce transgress (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of transgress

formal : to do something that is not allowed : to disobey a command or law

See the full definition for transgress in the English Language Learners Dictionary

transgress

transitive verb
trans·​gress | \ tranz-ˈgres, trans- How to pronounce transgress (audio) \

Legal Definition of transgress

1 : to go beyond limits set or prescribed by : violate
2 : to pass beyond or go over (a limit or boundary)

intransitive verb

1 : to violate a law
2 : to go beyond a boundary or limit

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More from Merriam-Webster on transgress

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with transgress

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for transgress

Spanish Central: Translation of transgress

Nglish: Translation of transgress for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of transgress for Arabic Speakers

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