encroachment
encroachment Lexical Profile
encroachment Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A gradual, often unwelcome intrusion or advance onto another person's territory, rights, or personal space.
"The conservationists raised concerns about the steady encroachment of urban development into protected wetlands."
In property law, a structure or improvement that unlawfully extends beyond a property line onto neighboring land or a public right-of-way.
"The boundary survey revealed that the neighbor's new wooden fence was a two-foot encroachment onto our driveway."
North American In American football, an infraction committed by a defensive player who crosses the line of scrimmage and makes contact with an opponent before the ball is snapped.
"The defensive tackle was flagged for a five-yard encroachment penalty after jumping across the line too early."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the 16th century from the verb 'encroach' plus the noun-forming suffix '-ment'. 'Encroach' derives from Old French 'encrochier', meaning 'to seize with a hook', from 'croc' (hook).