encroach

verb

en·​croach in-ˈkrōch How to pronounce encroach (audio)
en-
encroached; encroaching; encroaches

intransitive verb

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
encroacher noun
encroachment noun

Did you know?

The history behind encroach is likely to hook you in. The word derives from the Middle English encrochen, which means "to get or seize." The Anglo-French predecessor of encrochen is encrocher, which was formed by combining the prefix en- ("in") with the noun croche ("hook"). Croche also gave us our word crochet, in reference to the hooked needle used in that craft. Encroach carries the meaning of "intrude," both in terms of privilege or property. The word can also hop over legal barriers to describe a general advancement beyond desirable or normal limits (such as a hurricane that encroaches on the mainland).

Choose the Right Synonym for encroach

trespass, encroach, infringe, invade mean to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another.

trespass implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion.

hunters trespassing on farmland

encroach suggests gradual or stealthy entrance upon another's territory or usurpation of another's rights or possessions.

the encroaching settlers displacing the native peoples

infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.

infringing a copyright

invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.

accused of invading their privacy

Examples of encroach in a Sentence

The suburbs encroach further into the rural areas each year. each year the sea continues to encroach upon the island's beaches
Recent Examples on the Web The state wouldn’t be encroaching on anyone’s freedom. Kathryn Anne Edwards, The Mercury News, 29 Feb. 2024 With this overwhelming force, the Russian navy encroached on the Ukrainian coast, launching missiles at Ukrainian cities, and landing forces at the port of Mariupol. Mark Cancian, Foreign Affairs, 8 Feb. 2024 ByteDance is also encroaching on Alibaba’s turf, particularly by expanding into live-streaming e-commerce. Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 8 Feb. 2024 President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of emergency to combat the forest fires encroaching on coastal cities in the Valparaíso region in central Chile, around 70 miles northwest of the capital, Santiago. Ana Vanessa Herrero, Washington Post, 4 Feb. 2024 In Missouri concerns have been raised about a Kansas institution encroaching across state lines while Kansas’ bill stems from concerns about state resources going to Missouri. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 25 Jan. 2024 More than 80 percent of alpine farm income comes from government subsidies — many for keeping the pastureland clear of encroaching trees, which are nudging uphill with warmer temperatures. George Steinmetz Catherine Porter, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2024 The unusual project was born from worries over climate change and the sea level rise that will inevitably encroach on Alcatraz, where chunks of the perimeter wall are already eroding and falling into the bay. Heather Knight, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2024 Thanks to the city’s rise, when it became known as the Energy Capital of the World, an unwelcome mini-skyline of towering refineries and warehouses — which produce environmental hazards like toxic chemicals — began encroaching on people's homes and impacting their lives. Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'encroach.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English encrochen to get, seize, from Anglo-French encrocher, from en- + croc, croche hook — more at crochet

First Known Use

1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of encroach was in 1528

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Dictionary Entries Near encroach

Cite this Entry

“Encroach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encroach. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

encroach

verb
en·​croach in-ˈkrōch How to pronounce encroach (audio)
1
: to enter or force oneself on another's property or rights little by little
2
: to advance beyond the usual or desirable limits
the gradually encroaching sea
encroachment noun

Legal Definition

encroach

intransitive verb
en·​croach in-ˈkrōch How to pronounce encroach (audio)
: to enter especially gradually or stealthily into the possessions or rights of another
encroaches on an adjoining property
Etymology

Anglo-French encrocher, probably alteration of acrocher to catch hold of, seize, usurp, from Old French, from a-, prefix stressing goal + croc hook

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