encroach

[en-krohch]

verb (used without object)

1. to advance beyond proper, established, or usual limits; make gradual inroads.

   A dictatorship of the majority is encroaching on the rights of the individual.

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

encroach

/ ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ /

verb

1. to intrude gradually, stealthily, or insidiously upon the rights, property, etc, of another

2. to advance beyond the usual or proper limits

Other Word Forms

• encroacher noun
• unencroached adjective
• encroachment noun
• encroachingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of encroach¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English encrochen, from Anglo-French encrocher, Old French encrochier “to catch hold of, seize,” equivalent to en- en- ¹ + -crochier, verbal derivative of croc “hook,” from Germanic; crooked, crook ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of encroach¹

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

Synonym Study

See trespass.

Example Sentences

Bears have been increasingly encroaching into towns due to factors including a declining human population and climate change.

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Such upstart trading platforms have encroached on the turf of established gambling companies by offering “event contracts” on games that are similar to traditional sports bets.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In the post he said: "If Russian planes encroach over Nato territory, Britain should shoot them down."

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By the 1860s, the U.S. government reduced the Crow’s land to a much smaller strip, and the park’s creation further encroached on tribal lands.

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"His body was encroaching onto me which made me feel uncomfortable. It was summer and I was wearing a dress and he ran his hand up the side of my thigh."

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Related Words

• horn in 
• impinge 
• infringe 
• intrude 
• trespass 
• usurp