encroach

To encroach is defined as to move into or invade someone else's space or territory.

(verb)

An example of encroach is when an army moves into another country's space little by little.

See encroach in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb

to trespass or intrude (on or upon the rights, property, etc. of another), esp. in a gradual or sneaking way
to advance beyond the proper, original, or customary limits; make inroads (on or upon)

Origin: ME encrochen < OFr encrochier, to seize upon, take < en-, in + croc, croche, a hook: see crosier

Related Forms:

See encroach in American Heritage Dictionary 4

intransitive verb en·croached, en·croach·ing, en·croach·es

To take another's possessions or rights gradually or stealthily: encroach on a neighbor's land.
To advance beyond proper or former limits: desert encroaching upon grassland.
Football To commit encroachment.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English encrochen, to seize illegally

Origin: , from Old French encrochier, to seize

Origin: : en-, in; see en-¹

Origin: + croc, hook (of Germanic origin)

Related Forms: