transgress

[ trans-gres, tranz- ]
/ trænsˈgrɛs, trænz- /

verb (used without object)

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

verb (used with object)

to pass over or go beyond (a limit, boundary, etc.): to transgress bounds of prudence.
to go beyond the limits imposed by (a law, command, etc.); violate; infringe: to transgress the will of God.

Origin of transgress

1520–30; < Latin trānsgressus (past participle of trānsgredī to step across), equivalent to trāns- trans- + -gred- (combining form of gradī to step; see grade) + -tus past participle suffix, with dt > ss

SYNONYMS FOR transgress

1 err, trespass.
3 contravene, disobey.

ANTONYMS FOR transgress

3 obey.

OTHER WORDS FROM transgress

Words nearby transgress

transgene, transgenesis, transgenic, transgenic species, transgenics, transgress, transgression, transgressive, transhiatal, transhiatal esophagectomy, tranship

Example sentences from the Web for transgressive

British Dictionary definitions for transgressive (1 of 2)

transgressive
/ (ˌtrænzˈɡrɛsɪv) /

adjective

going beyond acceptable boundaries of taste, convention, or the law transgressive art; transgressive pursuits

Derived forms of transgressive

transgressively, adverb

British Dictionary definitions for transgressive (2 of 2)

transgress
/ (trænzˈɡrɛs) /

verb

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

Derived forms of transgress

transgressor, noun

Word Origin for transgress

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