Definition of ENCROACHING
- ️Thu Feb 13 2025
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
Did you know?
The history behind encroach is likely to hook you in. The word comes from the Middle English verb 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 is also an ancestor of our word crochet; that word first referred to a crochet hook or to the needlework done with it. Encroach carries the meaning of "intrude," both in terms of privilege and 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).
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for encroach
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.
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Nissan crossed the left travel lane in front of the black sedan, then encroached into the center lane, occupied by the Hyundai, causing the collision, the warrant affidavit said.
—
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2025
Flames encroached on the trees where butterflies roosted and, while the tree grove remains standing but singed, the status of butterflies is unclear.
—Anton Sorokin, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Feb. 2025
Edwards is encroaching upon superstar status with Minnesota, which has won five in a row.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 31 Jan. 2025
Explore the fairytale land of Albion and choose how to tackle the looming threat that encroaches.
—Gabriel Zamora, PCMAG, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for encroach 
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near encroach
Cite this Entry
“Encroach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encroach. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 13 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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