encroach

[en-krohch]

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verb (used without object)

to advance beyond proper, established, or usual limits; make gradual inroads: A dictatorship of the majority is encroaching on the rights of the individual.

to trespass upon the property, domain, or rights of another, especially stealthily or by gradual advances.

Origin of encroach

1275–1325; Middle English encrochen < Anglo-French encrocher, Old French encrochier to catch hold of, seize, equivalent to en- en-¹ + -crochier, verbal derivative of croc hook < Germanic; see crooked, crook¹

Related formsen·croach·er, nounun·en·croached, adjectiveun·en·croach·ing, adjective

Synonyms for encroach

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1, 2. See trespass.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for encroach

intrude, infringe, trespass, usurp, impinge, overstep, crash, arrogate, intervene, interpose, interfere, trench, appropriate, entrench, meddle

Examples from the Web for encroach

Contemporary Examples of encroach

In the east, the Chinese army continues periodically to encroach on Indian territory.
Farewell to Manmohan Singh, India’s Puppet Prime Minister
Kapil Komireddi
January 5, 2014
Any attempt to encroach on it, even by an iota, will ultimately lead to our enslavement by a federal tyranny.
Gun-Control Foes Misunderstand the Intent of the Second Amendment
Jack Schwartz
December 18, 2012
How does this symbolize constraints on girls and women, and encroach on our right to be simply as we are, at any given moment?
Ashley Judd Slaps Media in the Face for Speculation Over Her ‘Puffy’ Appearance
Ashley Judd
April 9, 2012
He got really mad when they started to encroach on his personal life.
Why Manny Ramirez Hates Fans
Will Doig
March 9, 2009

Historical Examples of encroach

She thanks you for your indulgence, on which she will not encroach.
Tales And Novels, Volume 8 (of 10)
Maria Edgeworth
The poor fellows have had enough of it; I must not encroach on the entire holiday.
Tom Burke Of "Ours", Volume I (of II)
Charles James Lever
But let us proceed quietly, and not encroach upon future events.
The Memoires of Casanova, Complete
Jacques Casanova de Seingalt
He made no attempt to encroach upon the sovereignty of Mary.
The Reign of Mary Tudor
W. Llewelyn Williams.
And now I will encroach no longer on your time or good nature, Richard.
The History of Sir Richard Calmady
Lucas Malet

British Dictionary definitions for encroach

encroach

verb (intr)

(often foll by on or upon) to intrude gradually, stealthily, or insidiously upon the rights, property, etc, of another

to advance beyond the usual or proper limits

Derived Formsencroacher, nounencroachingly, adverbencroachment, noun

Word Origin for encroach

C14: from Old French encrochier to seize, literally: fasten upon with hooks, from en- 1 + croc hook, of Germanic origin; see crook

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for encroach

early 14c., "acquire, get," from Old French encrochier "seize, fasten on, hang on (to), cling (to); hang up, suspend," literally "to catch with a hook," from en- "in" (see en- (1)) + croc "hook," from Old Norse krokr "hook" (see crook). Meaning "seize wrongfully" is from c.1400. Sense of "trespass" is first recorded 1530s. Related: Encroached; encroaches; encroaching.