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encroach

en·croach

encroach

 
pronunciation:
ihn kroch
features:
Word Combinations (verb)
part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: encroaches, encroaching, encroached
definition 1: to exceed the established, previously known, or intended limits, usu. gradually.
With the desert encroaching, many farmers are having to abandon their lands.
synonyms:
impinge on, infringe upon
similar words:
infiltrate, overstep, trespass
definition 2: to penetrate or spill over into an adjacent area (fol. by "on").
Farming families were forced to move to the cities as the desert encroached on their lands.The commercial district is encroaching on the residential zone.
definition 3: to intrude or trespass.
My roommate was always encroaching on my privacy.
synonyms:
butt in, interfere with, interlope, intrude, meddle
similar words:
interrupt, muscle, obtrude, pry, trespass
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivations: encroacher (n.), encroachment (n.)