encroach
[ en-krohch ]
/ ɛnˈkroʊtʃ /
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.
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orchard
Origin of encroach
OTHER WORDS FROM encroach
en·croach·er, nounun·en·croached, adjectiveun·en·croach·ing, adjectiveWords nearby encroach
encounter session, encourage, encouragement, encrimson, encrinite, encroach, encroachment, encrust, encrustation, encrypt, encryption
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
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British Dictionary definitions for encroach
encroach
/ (ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ) /
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 forms of encroach
encroacher, nounencroachingly, adverbencroachment, nounWord 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
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