Encroach

in-'krohch

Meaning & Definition

verb

To intrude on a person's territory, rights, or schedule.

The construction of the new shopping center began to encroach on the quiet neighborhood.

To advance gradually beyond usual or acceptable limits.

The use of technology in monitoring employees has begun to encroach upon their privacy.

To take another's possessions or rights, usually by gradually invading or violating.

Wild animals are starting to encroach on agricultural lands as their natural habitat shrinks.

Middle English encrochen, from Old French encroeir, from en- + croistre to grow.

encroach on

to intrude upon someone's area or rights

encroaching behavior

actions that invade someone else's space or rights

encroach into

to gradually affect or intrude into something

trespass

to enter someone's land or property without permission

intrusion

the act of intruding or invading without permission

infringe

to actively break the terms of a law or agreement

to step on someone's toes

Don't encroach on my territory when I'm working.

to overstep boundaries

He's starting to encroach with all his unsolicited advice.