transgression
An act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offense.
Transgression carries a literary or moral weight, implying that a boundary or line has been crossed. It is more serious than a simple mistake but less clinical than a 'crime'.
Word relationships
- infraction: An infraction is a violation of a practical, administrative rule (like a parking ticket), while a transgression implies crossing a moral or significant legal boundary.
- trespass: Trespass often refers specifically to invading property or a moral offense against another person, while transgression is broader.
- obedience: Obedience is the act of following rules and boundaries, whereas transgression is the act of crossing them.
- compliance: Compliance is adhering to established standards, while transgression is violating them.
Commonly confused with
- transition: Transition is the process of changing from one state to another, while transgression is the violation of a rule.
Word family
- transgress (verb): To go beyond the bounds of a moral principle or established standard.
- transgressor (noun): A person who violates a rule or law.
Collocations
- commit a transgression
- minor transgression
- grave transgression
- transgression of boundaries
Example sentences
- "The judge ruled that the teenager's minor transgression did not warrant a permanent criminal record." A courtroom sentencing.
- "The military crossing of the river was viewed as a major transgression of the peace treaty." A discussion of historical boundaries.
Memory hook
Think of 'trans' (across) and 'gress' (like progress or step). A transgression is stepping across the forbidden line. Stepping across the forbidden line.
When not to use
Do not use for minor, accidental slips of the tongue or technical errors unless you want to sound intentionally dramatic.
Fun facts
- In geology, a 'marine transgression' occurs when the sea level rises relative to the land, flooding areas that were previously dry—literally a stepping across of the shoreline.
Explore more words
transgress, infraction, Breach, infringement, misconduct, error
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