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

I also believe that the struggle to protect democracy from encroaching authoritarianism is the most important fight of our time.

From Slate

But it also presented an opportunity for Nelson to right a wrong, given that history has often depicted Ono as encroaching on Berry’s performance with her husband, especially when she engages in avant-garde voice modulation during “Memphis, Tennessee.”

From Salon

Related Words

• combative
• contentious
• destructive
• intrusive
• threatening