encroach — to gradually advance beyond usual limits or intrude into someone's territory or rights
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to gradually advance beyond usual limits or intrude into someone's territory or rights
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪnˈkroʊtʃ/
Example Sentences
- My neighbor's garden gnomes keep encroaching on my lawn - they're staging a tiny invasion!
- Social media is encroaching on our real-life relationships.
- The jungle is slowly encroaching on the abandoned village.
encroach
VERB[/ɪnˈkroʊtʃ/]
to gradually advance beyond usual limits or intrude into someone's territory or rights
Neighbor encroaching on property boundary
En the roach encroaches across the fence line
As the bear encroach, heed your coach's approach!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'encrochier' meaning 'to seize or hook', derived from 'en-' (into) combined with 'croc' (hook or claw). The word entered Middle English and evolved to mean gradually advancing or intruding into territory or rights.
Breakdown
en- (into) + croch (hook) + -er (verb suffix) = encroach (to hook into or seize gradually)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My neighbor's garden gnomes keep encroaching on my lawn - they're staging a tiny invasion!”
“Social media is encroaching on our real-life relationships.”
“The jungle is slowly encroaching on the abandoned village.”
“My cat thinks the new puppy is encroaching on his kingdom (also known as the couch).”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.