# encroach

**Pronunciation:** /ɪnˈkroʊtʃ/ · in-KROHCH

**CEFR level:** C1

**Part of speech:** verb

## Meaning

To intrude on a person's territory, rights, or privacy, or to advance gradually beyond usual or acceptable limits.

## Examples

- The sea has begun to encroach on the coastline, eroding the beaches.
- New housing developments continue to encroach upon the natural habitats of local wildlife.
- He felt that his boss was starting to encroach on his personal time by calling him late in the evenings.

## Synonyms

- intrude — To enter without invitation or permission.
- trespass — To enter someone's land or property without permission, often illegally.
- infringe — To actively break the terms of a law, agreement, or right.
- usurp — To take a position of power or importance illegally or by force.

## Antonyms

- withdraw — To pull back or retreat from a position.
- cede — To give up power or territory.

## Common patterns

- encroach on — To gradually intrude or trespass on a physical space or abstract concept. — The new building will encroach on the park's green space.
- encroach upon — A more formal way to say 'encroach on', often used for rights or abstract boundaries. — The government's new policies could encroach upon individual liberties.

## Collocations

- encroach on/upon — The city's expansion continues to encroach upon the surrounding farmland.
- encroach on privacy — Many feel that constant surveillance can encroach on personal privacy.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/encroach

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