encroaching

[en-kroh-ching]

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.

Other Word Forms

• unencroaching adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of encroaching¹

encroach ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Add in encroaching fascism, and it just felt like too much.

From Salon

Signs have now been erected by the Thai authorities warning Cambodians that they have been illegally encroaching on Thai territory.

From BBC

I’m the one who’s encroaching, he tells me, and I should go to the county offices and check the property records.

From Los Angeles Times

Locally the move has generally been welcomed amid growing concerns that foreigners, including Chinese nationals, have been encroaching on smaller trades.

From BBC

You might be a seasoned protest veteran fluent in mutual aid and leftist history, but to young people, you are simply a middle-aged normie being way too dramatic about encroaching fascism.

From Salon

Related Words

• combative 
• contentious 
• destructive 
• intrusive 
• threatening