encroaching

American  

[en-kroh-ching] / ɛnˈkroʊ tʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. advancing beyond proper, accepted, or usual limits; making gradual inroads into or onto something.

   We cleared out the encroaching weeds along the edge of the driveway and trimmed the plantain trees.

2. trespassing on the property, domain, or rights of another, especially stealthily or gradually.

   The hill forts in the British Isles were probably built by the native Britons to defend themselves against encroaching enemy tribes.

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Other Word Forms

• unencroaching adjective

Etymology

Origin of encroaching

encroach ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Over recent years, large dunes have started encroaching on the land in the village, while rolling desert sands have forced residents to shift further downhill, local pensioner Kakabai Baimedov told AFP.

From Barron's

The theater can and should be a sanctuary from the technology that is encroaching on what distinguishes us as human beings — our capacity to contemplate ourselves and others feelingly.

From Los Angeles Times

Since then, prediction markets have begun offering sports wagers, encroaching on the turf of traditional sportsbooks and prompting court battles with state gambling regulators, The Wall Street Journal has previously reported.

From The Wall Street Journal

This ongoing process damages the diverse life that depends on sandy environments, disrupts local economies that rely on fishing and tourism, and leaves coastal cities more exposed to encroaching waters.

From Science Daily

But some residents say they don’t feel safe walking to such places, with sidewalk tents encroaching on bus stops, bike lanes and roadways.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• combative
• contentious
• destructive
• intrusive
• threatening