encroach

[ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ]

encroach Definition

to gradually take away someone else's rights, or to take control of someone's time, work, etc..

Using encroach: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "encroach" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The new building encroaches on the park.

• Example

  The company is accused of encroaching on its workers' rights.

• Example

  I don't want to encroach on your time, but I need your help with something.

• Example

  The government is trying to prevent private companies from encroaching on public land.

encroach Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for encroach

• intrude
• invade
• trespass
• infringe
• usurp

Antonyms for encroach

• respect
• defer

Phrases with encroach

• encroach on/upon something

  to gradually take away someone else's rights, or to take control of someone's time, work, etc.

  Example

  The new building encroaches on the park.

• encroach on/upon someone's privacy

  to invade or intrude on someone's personal space or private life

  Example

  The paparazzi are constantly encroaching upon the celebrity's privacy.

• encroach on/upon someone's time

  to take up too much of someone's time, often without permission

  Example

  I don't want to encroach on your time, but I need your help with something.

Origins of encroach

from Old French 'encrochier', meaning 'to seize'

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Summary: encroach in Brief

'Encroach' [ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ] means to gradually take away someone else's rights or control of their time or work. It can refer to physical spaces, as in 'The new building encroaches on the park,' or more abstractly, as in 'The company is accused of encroaching on its workers' rights.' 'Encroach' is often used with prepositions like 'on/upon,' and has synonyms like 'intrude' and 'infringe.'