Encroachment: meaning, definitions and examples

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encroachment

[ ɪnˈkrəʊtʃmənt ]

^{Context #1}

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

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}

general

The gradual intrusion or advance beyond established or proper limits.

Synonyms

infringement, invasion

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

Word origin

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.