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

1275–1325; Middle English encrochen < Anglo-French encrocher, Old French encrochier to catch hold of, seize, equivalent to en- en-1 + -crochier, verbal derivative of croc hook < Germanic; see crooked, crook1

SYNONYMS FOR encroach

1, 2 See trespass.

OTHER WORDS FROM encroach

en·croach·er, noun un·en·croached, adjective un·en·croach·ing, adjective

Words nearby encroach

encounter session, encourage, encouragement, encrimson, encrinite, encroach, encroachment, encrust, encrustation, encrypt, encryption

Words related to encroached

intrude, infringe, trespass, usurp, impinge, overstep, crash, arrogate, intervene, interpose, interfere, trench, appropriate, entrench, meddle

Example sentences from the Web for encroached

British Dictionary definitions for encroached

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, noun

Word 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