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

The phrase was used to help describe the game's tense atmosphere, born from its fixed camera angles, forever encroaching zombies and a limited supply of ammunition to shoot them with.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 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

Meanwhile, those who sell traditional Valentine’s Day gift items don’t seem overly worried about vacuum brands encroaching on their turf.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

Over recent years, large dunes have started encroaching on the land in the village, while rolling desert sands have forced residents to shift further downhill, local pensioner Kakabai Baimedov told AFP.

From Barron's • Dec. 18, 2025

She was to have been the answer to his unstated, unacknowledged question—where was the life to counter the encroaching nonlife?

From "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison

Related Words

• combative
• contentious
• destructive
• intrusive
• threatening