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Encroachment: meaning, definitions and examples

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encroachment

 

[ ɪnˈkrəʊtʃmənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

legal

The action of gradually taking away someone else's rights or property, often in a way that is unfair or illegal.

Synonyms

infringement, intrusion, trespass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
encroachment

used to describe a gradual invasion or advancement into an area or space that is typically forbidden or restricted, often referred to in legal or environmental contexts.

  • The construction of the new road marks an encroachment on protected wildlife habitats.
  • The community is alarmed by the encroachment of commercial buildings into residential areas.
trespass

used specifically for entering someone else's property without permission, carrying a legal implication and often considered a minor offense.

  • The hunter was arrested for trespass on private land.
  • They put up signs to deter trespassers.
intrusion

describes an unwelcome or inappropriate entry into a place or situation, often carries a more personal and immediate connotation of disturbance.

  • Her sudden appearance felt like an intrusion on their private conversation.
  • The report detailed several instances of workplace intrusion.
infringement

applicable in situations where there is a violation of laws, rights, or regulations, commonly used in legal and intellectual property contexts.

  • The company was sued for copyright infringement.
  • He claimed that the law was an infringement of personal liberties.

Examples of usage

  • The encroachment on the protected land was a clear violation of the law.
  • The company was sued for encroachment on its competitor's intellectual property.
  • The fence was built with clear encroachment onto the neighbor's land.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The gradual intrusion or advance beyond established or proper limits.

Synonyms

infringement, invasion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
encroachment

Used when someone gradually takes over someone's rights or property, often without immediate notice. It can be used in both legal and everyday situations, typically with a slightly negative connotation.

  • The gardener complained about the encroachment of the neighbor's vines onto his property.
  • There are strict laws against the encroachment of commercial activities into residential areas.
invasion

Often used to describe aggressive and forceful actions where someone enters a place uninvited, like in situations of war or privacy violations. It carries a strong negative connotation.

  • The villagers feared an invasion by enemy forces.
  • His sudden appearance was seen as an invasion of her personal space.
infringement

Typically employed in legal contexts to describe violations of laws or rules. It usually has a negative connotation, highlighting the breach of someone's rights or intellectual property.

  • The company faced a lawsuit for copyright infringement.
  • Infringement of privacy can lead to severe penalties.

Examples of usage

  • The encroachment of the city into the surrounding countryside was met with resistance.
  • The encroachment of technology into every aspect of our lives is a topic of concern.
  • The encroachment of invasive species threatens the local ecosystem.

Translations

Translations of the word "encroachment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 invasão

🇮🇳 अतिक्रमण

🇩🇪 Eindringen

🇮🇩 penyerobohan

🇺🇦 зазіхання

🇵🇱 wtargnięcie

🇯🇵 侵害 (shingai)

🇫🇷 empiètement

🇪🇸 intrusión

🇹🇷 tehdit

🇰🇷 침해 (chimhae)

🇸🇦 تعدي

🇨🇿 narušení

🇸🇰 narušenie

🇨🇳 侵犯 (qīnfàn)

🇸🇮 vdor

🇮🇸 innrás

🇰🇿 басып кіру

🇬🇪 შეჭრა

🇦🇿 hücum

🇲🇽 intrusión

Etymology

The word 'encroachment' originated from the Old French word 'encrochier', which means 'to seize, grasp'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century with the meaning of 'to enter by gradual steps or stealth into the possessions or rights of another'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the concept of gradual intrusion or infringement beyond established boundaries. The legal sense of encroachment, specifically referring to the unauthorized intrusion onto another's property or rights, became prominent in the field of property law and real estate. Today, encroachment is commonly used to describe various forms of unauthorized intrusion, whether in legal contexts or more general discussions of boundaries and limits.

See also: encroach, encroaching.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,844, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.