Words / C2

tranz-GRESHUN/trænzˈɡreʃn/

A transgression is a crossing of a moral or legal line (formal): a transgression of the code, minor transgressions. Transgress is the verb. Offence is everyday; sin is religious. Aggression is hostility — different word. Do not call a spelling slip a transgression unless you are being comic.

Meaning

An act that breaks a law or moral rule (formal).

Examples

• “The panel treated the leak as a transgression, not a prank.”
• “The panel called the leak a transgression of confidence, not a prank.”
• “Literary “transgressive” art plays with rules; a workplace transgression still has minutes.”

Good to know

A breaking of a moral/legal rule (formal). Verb: transgress. Everyday: offence. Mix-up: aggression. Not a typo.

Near in meaning

offence

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