English Explanatory Dictionary

encroach

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. to seize, appropriate
  2. To intrude unrightfully on someone else’s rights or territory.
  3. To advance gradually beyond due limits.
noun
  1. Encroachment.

Pronunciation

/ɪŋˈkɹəʊtʃ/ /ɛŋˈkɹəʊtʃ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-encroach.wav

Word forms

encroach encroaches encroaching encroached incroach

Etymology

From Middle English encrochen, from Old French encrochier (“to seize”), from Old French en- + croc (“hook”), of Germanic origin. More at crook.

Synonyms

infringe

Derived words

encroachable encroacher encroachment unencroachable unencroached
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