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

For generations, the Hadzabe, also known as the Hadza, have kept their distance from modern agriculture, guns, missionaries, poachers and encroaching pastoralists.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

Gyms are positioning themselves as alternative spaces for socialising, its senior director of leisure and trends Paul Davies says, which is "encroaching on the traditional role of bars and nightclubs".

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

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

Under the tropical sun, vegetation has been encroaching on the vast concrete and metal structures that once vented flames created by giant rockets blasting off into space.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

To see the khan’s horse rear up at an encroaching darkness that pounces on him like a pack of wolves.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri

Related Words

• combative
• contentious
• destructive
• intrusive
• threatening