verb
Uncommon
trespass
TREHS-puhs
Trespass (verb) means to enter someone's land or property without permission. Example: “Hikers were warned not to trespass on the farmer's field.”
verb
1
To enter someone's land or property without permission.
"Hikers were warned not to trespass on the farmer's field."
2
(dated or formal) To do wrong; to sin or offend against someone.
"The old prayer asks forgiveness for those who trespass against us."
noun
1
The act of entering private property without the owner's permission.
"The company was sued for trespass after workers crossed onto neighboring land."
How to use trespass
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo go onto someone's property without being allowed to — or, in older or religious language, to do wrong against someone.
Common pairings
trespass on private property
no trespassing
trespass against someone
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Word forms
- Plural
- trespasses
- Third person singular
- trespasses
- Past tense
- trespassed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Hikers were warned not to _____ on the farmer's field.
Etymology
From Old French trespas, "a passing across, an offense," from trespasser, "to pass beyond, transgress" — built from tres- ("across") and passer ("to pass").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “trespass” mean?
The word “trespass” means to enter someone's land or property without permission. In plain terms, to go onto someone's property without being allowed to — or, in older or religious language, to do wrong against someone.
How do you pronounce “trespass”?
“Trespass” is pronounced TREHS-puhs (/ˈtɹɛspæs/ in IPA).
How do you use “trespass” in a sentence?
Here is “trespass” used in a sentence: “Hikers were warned not to trespass on the farmer's field.”
What part of speech is “trespass”?
Depending on how it is used, “trespass” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “trespass” come from?
The word “trespass” comes from Old French. From Old French trespas, "a passing across, an offense," from trespasser, "to pass beyond, transgress" — built from tres- ("across") and passer ("to pass").
Is “trespass” a common word?
“Trespass” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “trespass” have?
“Trespass” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to enter someone's land or property without permission.
