WordGarden.iotransgression
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /trænsɡrˈɛʃən/
US
- /trænzˈɡrɛʃən/
Meanings
Noun
an act that breaks a law, rule, or moral standard
a sin or offense against divine law
Beyond the definition
A transgression is an act that goes against laws, rules, or moral codes. It's more than just a mistake; it suggests crossing a line on purpose. Think of a child sneaking cookies before dinner: that's a small transgression. But betraying a friend's trust is a much deeper one. The word often carries a sense of guilt or consequence, hinting that something important has been broken.
Historically, "transgression" comes from the Latin transgressio, meaning "a stepping over." Imagine literally stepping across a forbidden boundary—that's the core idea behind this word. In religious contexts, it frequently refers to sins against divine law. However, you don't need religion to understand transgression; any rule-breaking behavior can be described as such.
The word "transgression" describes an act that violates a law, command, or moral code. It's more than just a simple mistake or error; it implies a deliberate crossing of boundaries, often with negative consequences. For example: "His constant lying was a serious transgression of trust," or "Stealing is a transgression against the law."
Transgression isn't limited to legal or religious contexts. You can transgress social norms, like interrupting someone constantly during a conversation, or you might transgress personal boundaries by asking overly intrusive questions. The severity of a transgression depends on the rule broken and the context in which it occurs. A minor infraction might be easily forgiven, while a major transgression could lead to severe punishment or lasting damage to relationships.
The word carries a sense of moral weight and often implies guilt, wrongdoing, or rebellion. It suggests that something important, or even sacred, has been violated. In literature and mythology, transgressions are often central themes, driving conflict and exploring the consequences of defying authority or social expectations. Think of Adam and Eve's transgression in the Garden of Eden, a foundational story about disobedience and its consequences.
So, whether it's breaking a law, betraying a trust, or simply stepping out of line, "transgression" describes an act that oversteps boundaries and carries with it a sense of violation and consequence.
Examples
- 1
School rules
Even a minor transgression of the school rules could lead to detention.
- 2
Community standards
In that strict community, staying out late was seen as a serious transgression.
- 3
Moral wrongdoing
He asked for forgiveness, treating the lie as a moral transgression rather than a simple mistake.
- 4
Film criticism
The film is sympathetic to its characters’ transgressions, showing why they crossed the line.
- Phrasecross the line
go beyond what is acceptable
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- moral transgression
- social transgression
- minor transgression
- commit a transgression
Word family
Explore
- taboo
- moral code
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- transgressionnoun
Forms
- transgressionspluralnoun