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To transgress means to go beyond an accepted limit, rule, or moral boundary, especially by doing something considered wrong, improper, or forbidden.
Phonetics: transgress /trænˈɡres/ — The stress falls on the second syllable. The word contains two syllables.
Definition of Transgress
Transgress means to violate or go beyond a moral, legal, social, or religious rule or boundary. It is often used when someone deliberately does something that is considered unacceptable or forbidden.
Synonyms and Antonyms of Transgress
Synonyms: violate, breach, infringe, disobey, overstep
Antonyms: obey, comply, observe, respect
Video of Transgress
Transgress in Context
Although laws establish formal boundaries for behavior, people can also transgress social or moral boundaries. For example, sharing someone’s private information without permission may transgress accepted standards of privacy and respect.
In professional settings, an employee might transgress workplace rules by deliberately ignoring safety procedures or using confidential information for an unauthorized purpose. Such actions can damage trust and may also result in disciplinary consequences.
The verb is also frequently used in formal or literary writing. A person who repeatedly transgresses established rules may be described as challenging the boundaries of acceptable behavior, particularly when the rules have ethical, cultural, or religious significance.
Parts of Speech of Transgress
- Verb: transgress
- Noun: transgression
- Noun: transgressor
- Adjective: transgressive
- Adverb: transgressively
