Definition of 'encroach'

Word Frequency

encroach (ɪnkroʊtʃ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense encroaches , present participle encroaching , past tense , past participle encroached

1. verb

If one thing encroaches on another, the first thing spreads or becomes stronger, and slowly begins to restrict the power, range, or effectiveness of the second thing.

[formal , disapproval]

Any attempt to encroach upon presidential prerogatives in this domain was quickly and firmly resisted.

The new institutions do not encroach on political power.

The movie industry had chosen to ignore the encroaching competition of television.

2. verb

If something encroaches on a place, it spreads and takes over more and more of that place.

[formal]

The rhododendrons encroached ever more on the twisting drive.

I turned into the dirt road and followed it through encroaching trees and bushes.

More Synonyms of encroach

Word Frequency

encroach (ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ )

verb (intransitive)

1. ( 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

encroacher (enˈcroacher)

noun

encroachingly (enˈcroachingly)

adverb

encroachment (enˈcroachment)

noun

Word origin of 'encroach'

C14: from Old French encrochier to seize, literally: fasten upon with hooks, from en-1 + croc hook, of Germanic origin; see crook

Word Frequency

encroach in American English (ɛnˈkroʊtʃ ; enkrōchˈ; ɪnˈkroʊtʃ ; inkrōchˈ)

verb intransitive

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

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

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈtrespass

Derived forms

encroachment (enˈcroachment)

noun

Word origin of 'encroach'

ME encrochen < OFr encrochier, to seize upon, take < en-, in + croc, croche, a hook: see crosier

Example sentences containing 'encroach'

Deer which carry ticks are also increasingly encroaching in suburban areas.

Times, Sunday Times (2015)

This was now encroaching on my territory.

Times, Sunday Times (2007)

If you are in love, anyone encroaching on your territory will prompt insecurity.

Times, Sunday Times (2014)

And the sense of some grand, encroaching darkness is at the edge of all these very different poets.

Times, Sunday Times (2006)

Any other action would have meant encroaching on the territory of others, using means and resources for which he was not qualified.

The Times Literary Supplement (2010)

Trends of 'encroach'

Translations for 'encroach'

British English: encroach VERB
If one thing encroaches on another, the first thing spreads or becomes stronger, and slowly begins to restrict the power, range, or effectiveness of the second thing.The new institutions do not encroach on political power.

Brazilian Portuguese: usurpar
Chinese: 逐步侵犯
European Spanish: usurpar
French: empiéter
German: übergreifen auf
Italian: invadere
Japanese: >侵害する他人の権利などを
Korean: ~을 침해하다
Portuguese: usurpar
Spanish: usurpar