What does transgress mean?
Transgress is a formal verb meaning to violate a law, rule, boundary, or accepted moral standard. It is often used when describing conduct that crosses a clearly defined limit, such as breaking regulations, entering forbidden territory, or offending religious or social conventions. The word can suggest deliberate defiance, though it may also describe an accidental breach. In modern English, it appears frequently in legal, ethical, religious, and literary contexts: a person may transgress the law, transgress social boundaries, or transgress accepted ideas of proper behavior. Its historical connection with stepping beyond a boundary gives it a vivid sense of movement across a limit. Although “transgress” is related in meaning to “trespass,” it is generally broader and more formal, encompassing not only unauthorized entry but also the violation of rules and norms.
verbTo violate a law, rule, or boundary, or to overstep accepted limits and moral or social norms.
- To violate a law, regulation, rule, or formal obligation.
- To exceed the limits of what is proper, permitted, or socially acceptable.
- To offend accepted moral, religious, or social standards.
"The company transgressed the safety regulations by ignoring several inspection reports."
"Drivers who transgress the speed limit can face substantial penalties."
"Her novel explores people who transgress the boundaries of conventional society."
Transgress comes from the Latin for stepping beyond: its history is literally built around the idea of crossing a boundary.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of transgress
Transgress comes from Latin transgredere, formed from trans- (“across”) and gradere, a form of gradi, meaning “to step.” Its past participle, transgressus, passed into English in the early 17th century in the sense of stepping beyond a boundary and later came to mean violating a law or accepted norm. The same Latin root underlies words such as progress, regress, digress, and grade, all connected with steps, movement, or degrees.
Related word forms
How transgress is actually used
Formal and often serious in tone. It is especially common in legal, moral, religious, and literary contexts, and can imply deliberate defiance as well as an ordinary violation.
Easily confused with transgress
Trespass usually emphasizes entering or interfering with property or a space without permission, whereas transgress more often means violating a law, rule, boundary, or accepted moral norm.