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

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Not surprisingly, this melancholy picture celebrates and mourns Langhe, a region imperiled by global warming and encroaching industrialization that threaten the once-fecund practice of truffle gathering.

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

Read more on Barron's

"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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Speaking to reporters afterwards, Tice called for MPs to take a more active role in debating the policy, arguing they were reluctant to do so for fear of encroaching on the bank's independence.

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Related Words

• combative 
• contentious 
• destructive 
• intrusive 
• threatening