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 Words From

• un·en·croach·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of encroaching¹

encroach ( def ) + -ing ²( def )

Example Sentences

High greenhouse gas emissions from human activity cause global temperatures to rise, melting ice sheets and glaciers, which in turn increases the volume of water in the ocean — encroaching on shorelines around the world.

From Los Angeles Times

Over the weekend a weather front encroaching from the Atlantic will bring some rain to northern and western areas of the UK.

From BBC

Deputies lifted those who could not walk into police cars and rushed them away from encroaching flames just coming into view.

From Los Angeles Times

"That’s not normal. That’s weird," she said in a TikTok last month talking about fans encroaching on her personal boundaries— little did she know how bad it could get, or how political.

From Salon

As of Saturday, the fires had chewed through more than 90,000 acres and there is worry the flames may be encroaching on the frog’s critical habitat.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• combative
• contentious
• destructive
• intrusive
• threatening