encroach

[ en-krohch ]

verb (used without object)

1. to advance beyond proper, established, or usual limits; make gradual inroads:

   A dictatorship of the majority is encroaching on the rights of the individual.

2. to trespass upon the property, domain, or rights of another, especially stealthily or by gradual advances.

encroach

/ ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ /

verb

1. often foll byon or upon to intrude gradually, stealthily, or insidiously upon the rights, property, etc, of another
2. to advance beyond the usual or proper limits

Derived Forms

• enˈcroacher, noun
• enˈcroachment, noun
• enˈcroachingly, adverb

Other Words From

• en·croach·er noun
• un·en·croached adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of encroach¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English encrochen, from Anglo-French encrocher, Old French encrochier “to catch hold of, seize,” equivalent to en- en- ¹ + -crochier, verbal derivative of croc “hook,” from Germanic; crooked, crook ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of encroach¹

C14: from Old French encrochier to seize, literally: fasten upon with hooks, from en- ¹+ croc hook, of Germanic origin; see crook

Synonym Study

See trespass.

Example Sentences

"As we encroach on planetary boundaries, the number of organisms an ecosystem can support is reduced," says Prof Townend.

From Science Daily

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

Encampments continue to encroach on his neighborhood, he said, and someone recently broke into his apartment building by throwing a stanchion pole through a window.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• horn in
• impinge
• infringe
• intrude
• trespass
• usurp