encroach
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.en·croach
intransitive verb \in-ˈkrōch, en-\Definition of ENCROACH
1
: to enter by gradual steps or by stealth into the possessions or rights of another
2
: to advance beyond the usual or proper limits <the gradually encroaching sea>
— en·croach·er noun
— en·croach·ment \-ˈkrōch-mənt\ noun
Examples of ENCROACH
- The suburbs encroach further into the rural areas each year.
- <each year the sea continues to encroach upon the island's beaches>
Origin of ENCROACH
Middle English encrochen to get, seize, from Anglo-French encrocher, from en- + croc, croche hook — more at crochet
First Known Use: 1528
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