View synonyms for

encroaching

[ en-kroh-ching ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

advancing beyond proper, accepted, or usual limits; making gradual inroads into or onto something:
We cleared out the encroaching weeds along the edge of the driveway and trimmed the plantain trees.
trespassing on the property, domain, or rights of another, especially stealthily or gradually:
The hill forts in the British Isles were probably built by the native Britons to defend themselves against encroaching enemy tribes.

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Other Word Forms

�ܲ�·��·��ǲ��·��Բ� adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of encroaching¹

encroach ( def ) + -ing ²( def )

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Scientists say warming temperatures have led villagers to move their crops and livestock to higher areas in the mountains, encroaching on snow leopards' own habitat, making livestock more of a target.

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In full drag regalia, they unflinchingly confront the encroaching darkness with a theatrical exuberance that says, “I’m here, my eyes are open and I care.”

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“We’ve created islands of habitat fragmentation with our roadways and housing encroaching deeper and deeper into the wild urban interface, and now we’re fixing this problem by using human ingenuity for good purposes.”

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With crackling pastoral language and thematic Lynchian undertones, “Swamplandia!” probed the growing tension in Russell’s home state of Florida between an endangered fecund wilderness and encroaching development.

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“I feel really sorry for this bear. I know we’re encroaching on their territory, so I’m sympathetic to that,” he said.

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Related Words

encroach encroachment

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