encroachment

Variant of encroach

encroach definition

en·croach (en krōc̸h′, in-)

intransitive verb

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

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

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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