transgress

Etymology

From Middle French transgresser, from Latin transgressum, past participle of transgredi.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /tɹænzˈɡɹɛs/

Verb

transgress (third-person singular simple present transgresses, present participle transgressing, simple past and past participle transgressed)

1. (transitive) To exceed or overstep some limit or boundary.
   • Dryden

     surpassing common faith, transgressing nature's law

2. (transitive) To act in violation of some law.
   • Milton

     For man will hearken to his glozing lies, / And easily transgress the sole command.

3. (intransitive, construed with against) To commit an offense; to sin.
   • Beaumont and Fletcher

     Why give you peace to this imperate beast / That hath so long transgressed you?

4. (intransitive, of the sea) To spread over land along a shoreline; to inundate.