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

To enter someone's land or property without permission.

"Hikers were warned not to trespass on the farmer's field."

(dated or formal) To do wrong; to sin or offend against someone.

"The old prayer asks forgiveness for those who trespass against us."

noun

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

trespassed past tense, trespasses plural, trespasses singular

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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").

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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sin violation intrusion intrude overstep usurpation transgress encroachment take advantage

Related words

seen top hell crime violence sin invasion offense

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.

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