trespass Hear it!

trespass definition

tres·pass (tres′pəs; also, esp. for v., -pas′)

intransitive verb

  1. to go beyond the limits of what is considered right or moral; do wrong; transgress
  2. to go on another's land or property without permission or right
  3. to intrude or encroach to trespass on one's time
  4. Law to commit a trespass

Etymology: ME trespassen < OFr trespasser < VL *transpassare, to pass across < L trans-, trans- + VL *passare, to pass < L passus: see pace

noun

the act or an instance of trespassing; specif.,
  1. a moral offense; transgression
  2. an encroachment or intrusion
  3. Law an illegal act done forcefully against another's person, rights, or property; also, legal action for damages resulting from this

Etymology: ME trespas < OFr < the v.

Related Forms:

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

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.