encroach
verb (used without object)
to advance beyond proper, established, or usual limits; make gradual inroads.
had encroached
-
past perfectof encroach.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
One of the last times this Victorian-era hotel closed in Yosemite National Park, the raging flames from the 2022 Washburn fire had encroached and encircled the institution.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 12, 2024
The winger believed he had atoned for missing a sitter moments earlier, but his frustration was compounded as another lengthy review found he had encroached the penalty box and the scoreline remained level.
From BBC ● Mar. 30, 2024
An agency spokesman said the burn had been done by the book and did not offer an explanation for how it had encroached on nearby land.
From New York Times ● Oct. 28, 2022
China first proposed its “red line” scheme in 2011 to put an end to decades of “irrational development” that had encroached on forests, wetlands and other precious ecosystems.
From Reuters ● Sep. 19, 2022
Nature had come into her own again and, little by little, in her stealthy, insidious way had encroached upon the drive with long tenacious fingers.
From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier
