verb
encroach
Encroach (verb) means to take hold of or claim something for oneself.
verb
1
To take hold of or claim something for oneself.
2
To go further than you should into someone else's land or rights.
"Because change itself would absolutely stay-stable, and again, conversely, stability itself would change, if each of them encroached on the other."
— Plato, translated by Lesley Brown (2005)
"Gradually the negative feelings encroached into her work."
"I won’t encroach on your time any longer."
3
To move forward little by little, past the point where it should stop.
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Etymology
Comes from Middle English encrochen, from Old French encrochier ("to seize"), from Old French en- plus croc ("hook"), of Germanic origin. More at crook.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for encroach
See all rhymes for encroach →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of encroach?
"encroach" (verb) means to take hold of or claim something for oneself.
What is another word for encroach?
Other words for "encroach" include impinge, infringe, trench, entrench.
What is the opposite of encroach?
The opposite of "encroach" is respect.
What are the different meanings of encroach?
"encroach" has 3 main meanings: 1. To take hold of or claim something for oneself; 2. To go further than you should into someone else's land or rights; 3. To move forward little by little, past the point where it should stop.
