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Definition of encroach

encroach

/ɛnˈkroʊtʃ/
en · croach
Adverb:encroachingly
•
Adjective:encroaching
•
Past Simple:encroached
•
Past Participle:encroached
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Present Participle:encroaching
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encroach Lexical Profile

encroach Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To intrude gradually on a person's territory, rights, personal life, or time.

Example

"The new regulations should not encroach on the basic privacy rights of citizens."

2

To advance gradually beyond usual or acceptable limits (especially of natural features, vegetation, or urban sprawl).

Example

"Over the decades, the surrounding desert has continued to encroach upon the fertile farmland."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for encroach
Antonyms
View all antonyms for encroach

Word Nuance & Usage

'Encroach' is almost always used intransitively and followed by the prepositions 'on' or 'upon' (e.g., 'encroach on someone's time' or 'encroach upon protected land').

• Rhymes for encroach

• Nearby Words

encourager
encouraging
encouragingly
encroach
encroachment
encrust
encrustation

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'encrochier' ('to seize with a hook'), formed from 'en-' ('in') and 'croc' ('hook'), originally referring to seizing property or land unlawfully.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Encroach. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/encroach
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