encroach
[ en-krohch ]
/ ɛnˈkroʊtʃ /
verb (used without object)
to advance beyond proper, established, or usual limits; make gradual inroads: A dictatorship of the majority is encroaching on the rights of the individual.
to trespass upon the property, domain, or rights of another, especially stealthily or by gradual advances.
Origin of encroach
OTHER WORDS FROM encroach
en·croach·er, noun un·en·croached, adjective un·en·croach·ing, adjectiveWords nearby encroach
encounter session,
encourage,
encouragement,
encrimson,
encrinite,
encroach,
encroachment,
encrust,
encrustation,
encrypt,
encryption
Example sentences from the Web for encroach
British Dictionary definitions for encroach
encroach
/ (ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ) /
verb (intr)
(often foll by on or upon)
to intrude gradually, stealthily, or insidiously upon the rights, property, etc, of another
to advance beyond the usual or proper limits
Derived forms of encroach
encroacher, noun encroachingly, adverb encroachment, nounWord Origin for encroach
C14: from Old French
encrochier to seize, literally: fasten upon with hooks, from
en-
1 +
croc hook, of Germanic origin; see
crook