Transgress Meaning: Definition and Examples
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transgress
[trænsˈɡres ]
Definitions
behavior
to go beyond the limits of what is morally or legally acceptable; to violate a law, command, moral code, etc.
Synonyms
breach, break, trespass, violate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| transgress |
Used in a formal or literary context to indicate breaking a moral or ethical boundary.
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| violate |
Often used in serious contexts to describe the act of disobeying laws, regulations, or rights; can carry a negative or severe connotation.
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| break |
Used in everyday language for general contexts to indicate the act of not following rules, laws, or expectations.
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| breach |
Commonly used in legal or official contexts to describe breaking a formal agreement, law, or contract.
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| trespass |
Used specifically to describe entering someone else's property without permission.
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Examples of usage
- He transgressed the boundaries of acceptable behavior by cheating on the exam.
- She was arrested for transgressing the law by stealing from the store.
religion
to commit an offense or sin; to act contrary to religious laws or teachings
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| transgress |
A formal term used to indicate going beyond social, moral, or legal boundaries.
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| sin |
A term mostly used in religious contexts to describe actions that go against divine laws or moral guidance.
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| offend |
To cause someone to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful, often used in social and interpersonal interactions; can also mean breaking a rule or law.
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| disobey |
Typically used to describe not following rules, instructions, or commands, often in a personal or less formal context.
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Examples of usage
- In some religions, to transgress against the gods is considered a grave sin.
- They believe that transgressing against the commandments will lead to punishment.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- In moral philosophy, transgression often refers to violating ethical principles.
- Thinkers like Immanuel Kant explored the implications of transgression on moral law and duty.
- The concept often discusses the tension between freedom and responsibility in ethical decision-making.
Pop Culture
- Transgression is a common theme in literature and film, representing the struggle against societal norms.
- In music, many artists use transgressing as a metaphor for rebellion and self-expression, challenging the status quo.
- Notable characters, like the anti-hero, often embody transgression by breaking societal rules for personal gain or growth.
Legal Context
- In law, transgressions can range from minor infractions to serious crimes, each with different repercussions.
- Transgressions are typically addressed by penalties that serve to deter such behavior in society.
- The understanding of what constitutes a transgression can vary widely between cultures and legal systems.
Psychology
- Psychologists examine why individuals transgress rules, often linking it to underlying desires or social pressures.
- Transgressions can lead to emotional consequences, such as guilt or shame, that impact wellbeing.
- The study of transgression helps understand moral development, particularly in how children learn to respect boundaries.
Origin of 'transgress'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'transgredi', which means 'to step across'.
- It is a combination of 'trans-' (across) and 'gredi' (to step), emphasizing moving beyond boundaries.
- The term has been in use since the early 1600s and was often related to moral or legal contexts.
The word 'transgress' originated from the Latin word 'transgredi', which means 'to step across' or 'to go beyond'. The concept of transgression has been present in various cultures and religions throughout history, often associated with the idea of crossing boundaries or breaking rules. In English, 'transgress' has been used since the late 15th century to describe actions that go against established norms or laws.
See also: transgressing, transgression, transgressions, transgressor.