Encroach Definition

ĕn-krōch

encroached, encroaches, encroaching

verb

encroached, encroaches, encroaching

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

Webster's New World

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

Webster's New World

To commit encroachment.

American Heritage

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

Webster's New World Law

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

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

noun

Wiktionary

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

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