Transgressions

Transgressions refer to acts that violate a law, moral principle, or accepted standard of behavior. They encompass any deviation from what is considered right or proper, ranging from minor breaches of etiquette to severe legal violations. The term emphasizes the act of overstepping boundaries or crossing the line into prohibited territory, often carrying a connotation of moral or ethical failing. They are not mere mistakes; they are conscious choices (or failures of responsibility) that result in the violation of established rules, expectations, or norms, causing harm, offense, or consequence.

Transgressions meaning with examples

• The company faced severe penalties for its environmental transgressions, including illegal dumping of waste into the river. Regulators were strict about upholding standards. These violations led to public outrage and a loss of consumer trust, demonstrating that the company’s reckless behavior resulted in heavy fines and a tarnished reputation. The company was now obligated to repair its damage.
• Despite their close friendship, a series of minor transgressions involving gossip and broken confidences gradually eroded their bond. These betrayals of trust created deep divisions. The transgressions demonstrated that no matter how solid the foundation, repeated violations eroded trust and friendship over time. Eventually they could no longer talk.
• The politician's financial transgressions, including accepting undisclosed donations, triggered a full-scale ethics investigation. These actions drew sharp criticism. His disregard for transparency and accountability led to accusations of corruption and abuse of power. The fallout from the politician's transgressions ended his political career.
• In some religious contexts, the individual may seek forgiveness for their transgressions through prayer, confession, or acts of penance. They recognized that they had fallen short of the expected standards of behaviour. The church offered solace. These steps help to acknowledge one's mistakes and seek reconciliation with the moral or religious standard they had violated.