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

Starring a stacked Guatemalan cast, including actor Tony Revolori, the project underlined the encroaching impacts of climate change that corrode once treasured memories, including those of Moreno, who grew up visiting the vacation destination.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Meanwhile, those who sell traditional Valentine’s Day gift items don’t seem overly worried about vacuum brands encroaching on their turf.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

"They had to do this under this huge pressure of an encroaching red level storm that had the potential to completely derail the investigation and wash all of the evidence away."

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

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 • Dec. 18, 2025

He glared at the poison flood encroaching from all sides.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• combative
• contentious
• destructive
• intrusive
• threatening