Encroach meaning

ĕn-krōch

Words form:

Frequency:

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

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

verb

To trespass or intrude (on or upon the rights, property, etc. of another), esp. in a gradual or sneaking way.

verb

(intransitive) To intrude unrightfully on someone else's rights or territory.

verb

To take another's possessions or rights gradually or stealthily.

Encroach on a neighbor's land.

verb

To advance beyond proper or former limits.

Desert encroaching upon grassland.

verb

To commit encroachment.

verb

To advance beyond the proper, original, or customary limits; make inroads (on or upon)

verb

To unlawfully gain access to or take the property or possessions of another, particularly by stealth.

verb

(intransitive) To advance gradually beyond due limits.

verb

noun

Origin of encroach

Middle English encrochen to seize illegally from Old French encrochier to seize en- in en–¹ croc hook (of Germanic origin)

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Old French encrochier (“seize”), from en- + croc (“hook”).

From Wiktionary