transgress

From Middle English transgressen, from Old French transgresser and Latin transgressus, past participle of transgredī.

• IPA^(key): /tɹænzˈɡɹɛs/

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.
   • (Can we date this quote?) Dryden

     surpassing common faith, transgressing nature's law

2. (transitive) To act in violation of some law.
   • (Can we date this quote?) John 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.
   • (Can we date this quote?) 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.

• transgression
• transgressive
• transgressor