inroad

American  

[in-rohd] / ˈɪnˌroʊd /

noun

1. a damaging or serious encroachment.

   inroads on our savings.

2. a sudden hostile or predatory incursion; raid; foray.

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inroad British  

/ ˈɪnˌrəʊd /

noun

1. an invasion or hostile attack; raid or incursion

2. an encroachment or intrusion

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Etymology

Origin of inroad

First recorded in 1540–50; in- ¹ + road

Explanation

When you make an inroad, you advance into new territory. An attacking army might try to make an inroad into a neighboring country, for example. Intruding in another's space or advancing into a previously inaccessible area are both examples of inroads. The word is most often used in its plural form, like when your history teacher talks about the great inroads women have made politically in the past fifty years. The noun inroad was originally used only to talk about military movement, describing armies making hostile raids. The road part of inroad evolved from the word ride, so the word comes from "riding in."

Example Sentences

Inroad for WSU assistant Joe Salave'a as Cougars try to establish themselves in islands.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 2, 2012

He was captor of Berlin in 1757, did the Inroad on Berlin that year,—and produced Rossbach shortly after.

From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 19 by Carlyle, Thomas

Inroad, in′rōd, n. an incursion into an enemy's country: a sudden invasion: attack: encroachment.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

Related Words

• encroachment
• incursion