noun
encroachment
in-KROHCH-muhnt
Encroachment (noun) means the act of gradually intruding on someone else's land, rights or area of authority, or the intrusion itself. Example: “Residents objected to the encroachment of housing on the green belt.”
noun
1
The act of gradually intruding on someone else's land, rights or area of authority, or the intrusion itself.
"Residents objected to the encroachment of housing on the green belt."
"The judge called the order an encroachment on parliamentary privilege."
2
legal A structure or part of a building that extends over a boundary onto neighbouring or public land.
"The survey revealed a small encroachment where the garage crosses the property line."
How to use encroachment
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSlowly taking over land or rights that belong to someone else.
When to use it
Formal; common in law, property, planning and politics.
Memory tip
The usual preposition is "on", though "upon" is common in legal writing.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
encroachment vs trespass
encroachment vs infringement
Common pairings
encroachment on
gradual encroachment
illegal encroachment
encroachment of the sea
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Residents objected to the _____ of housing on the green belt.
Etymology
From encroach, from Old French encrochier "to seize, hook on to", from en- and croc "hook", with the noun suffix -ment.
Synonyms
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intrusion
infringement
trespass
incursion
overreach
impingement
impact
invasion
usurpation
violation
Related words
Rhymes for encroachment
See all rhymes for encroachment →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between encroachment and trespass?
Trespass is entering someone's land without permission, usually as a one-off act by a person. Encroachment is a lasting physical or legal intrusion, such as a fence, extension or overhanging structure that sits across the boundary and stays there.
What is the difference between encroachment and an easement?
An easement is a right to use part of someone else's land that has been properly granted and recorded. An encroachment is an intrusion nobody agreed to, which may have to be removed or later regularised.
Does encroachment always involve land?
No. The word is used just as often for gradual intrusions on rights, freedoms or someone's authority, as in "encroachment on civil liberties".
What is the meaning of encroachment?
"encroachment" (noun) means the act of gradually intruding on someone else's land, rights or area of authority, or the intrusion itself.
