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# transgression

noun (a transgression, transgressions; transgression — uncountable)

«transgression» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. (formal) An action that breaks a rule, law or moral code; a wrongdoing. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/transgression/#m1)
2. (formal, religion) A sin. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/transgression/#m2)
3. (geology) When the sea spreads over the land. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/transgression/#m3)

### In the lessons

It is a formal word used in religion, law, history and exam texts. In everyday talk people say «breaking the rules», «doing wrong», «a mistake». In stories it can sound grand or old-fashioned: «he was forgiven for his transgressions». Phrases: «a minor transgression», «forgive transgressions».

### Examples

- (formal) The pupil apologised for his transgression. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/transgression/#x1)
- (formal) Talking in the exam hall is a serious transgression. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/transgression/#x2)
- In plain words, a transgression is breaking a rule. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/transgression/#x3)
- (formal) The king forgave the knight's transgressions. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/transgression/#x4)
- Even small transgressions were punished in the strict old school. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/transgression/#x5)
- (formal) Any transgression of these rules will be reported. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/transgression/#x6)

### Note

Countable for single acts. Verb: «transgress» (to break a rule); person: «transgressor». Formal; in everyday writing use simpler words.

## In Jewish tradition

In the Torah it means a sin, especially a rebellious act against a person or God (Hebrew "pesha").

**Interpretation.** Tradition counts it as one of the three kinds of wrong, along with sin and iniquity; the Day of Atonement is for forgiving them.

### Examples

- And now, we pray thee, forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of thy father.' And Joseph wept when they spoke unto him. (Torah GEN.50.17, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/T/transgression/#x1)
- So shall ye say unto Joseph: Forgive, I pray thee now, the transgression of thy brethren, and their sin, for that they did unto thee evil. (Torah GEN.50.17, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/T/transgression/#x2)
- Take heed of him, and hearken unto his voice; be not rebellious against him; for he will not pardon your transgression; for My name is in him. (Torah EXO.23.21, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/T/transgression/#x3)
- Make me to know my transgression and my sin. (Writings JOB.13.23, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/T/transgression/#x4)
- Hatred stirreth up strifes; but love covereth all transgressions. (Writings PRO.10.12, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/T/transgression/#x5)
- Are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood, (Prophets ISA.57.4, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/T/transgression/#x6)

### Note

Countable for single acts. Verb: «transgress» (to break a rule); person: «transgressor». Formal; in everyday writing use simpler words.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «transgression» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/transgression/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«transgression» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/transgression.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «transgression» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/T/transgression/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«transgression» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/transgression.html) on Mova free.