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Definition of transgress

transgress

/trænzˈɡrɛs/
trans · gress
Adverb:transgressively
•
Adjective:transgressive
•
Past Simple:transgressed
•
Past Participle:transgressed
•
Present Participle:transgressing
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transgress Lexical Profile

transgress Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To go beyond the bounds of a moral principle, law, or established standard of behavior; to commit an offense or sin.

Example

"The committee noted that the researcher had transgressed ethical guidelines by failing to obtain informed consent."

2

To spread over the land due to a rise in relative sea level, depositing marine sediments over older strata (of the sea).

Example

"During the Late Cretaceous period, warm shallow seas transgressed across large portions of the continental interior."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for transgress

• Nearby Words

transgendered
transgenderism
transglobal
transgress
transgression
transgressive
transgressively

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Old French transgresser, from Latin transgressus, the past participle of transgredi ('to step across or go beyond'), formed from trans- ('across') and gradi ('to step or walk').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Transgress. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/transgress
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