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
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
But a VAR check found that Ginnelly and two Celtic players had encroached, which meant Shankland was forced to retake, and this time he beat Hart to haul Hearts level at 3-3.
From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2022
Over the past several decades, trees had encroached on the land by the thousands.
From Washington Times ● Mar. 24, 2017
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
