Main Entry:

²trespass

Pronunciation:

\-ˌpas also -pəs\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French trespasser to overtake, exceed, wrong, from tres to a high degree (from Latin trans beyond) + passer to pass — more at through, pass

Date:

14th century

intransitive verb1 a: err, sin b: to make an unwarranted or uninvited incursion2: to commit a trespass ; especially : to enter unlawfully upon the land of anothertransitive verb: violate <trespass the bounds of good taste>

— tres·pass·er noun

synonyms 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>.