Meaning & use
encroach
Last updated
To gradually intrude on someone's territory, rights, or time without permission.
See it in a sentence
The new shopping mall encroached on what used to be protected wetlands.
He felt his boss's constant calls were encroaching on his personal time.
A note on using this word
Usually followed by 'on' or 'upon,' and implies a slow, often unwelcome advance into someone else's space or rights.
Words with a similar meaning
intrudeinfringe
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
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