Trespass: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone physically enters someone's private property without permission. It often has legal connotations.

• The sign clearly said 'No Trespassing,' but they entered the property anyway
• The farmer was annoyed when hikers trespassed on his land

Refers to unwanted or uninvited entry into someone's space, privacy, or affairs. It can be physical or metaphorical.

• Sorry to intrude, but can I ask you a quick question? He felt like he was intruding on their private conversation

Used to describe a slow or gradual intrusion into someone else's space, rights, or responsibilities. Often implies a subtle, creeping nature.

• As the city grew, new buildings began to encroach on the old neighborhood
• Noise from the construction site started to encroach on our quiet evenings

Often used in a broader context to describe breaking a rule, law, or someone's rights. It can be physical or non-physical, and often has a stronger, more negative connotation.

• He violated the terms of his contract
• Breaking into the house was clearly a violation of the law
• They felt their privacy was violated

Typically used to describe the act of entering someone's property without permission. This term can also be used metaphorically to mean going beyond boundaries in a non-physical sense.

• He was charged with trespass after he climbed over the neighbor's fence.
• Sorry if I trespass on personal matters, but how have you been feeling?

Refers to entering or involving oneself where one is unwelcome or uninvited. This has a more negative connotation and it can apply to physical spaces as well as personal matters or privacy.

• She apologized for the intrusion but needed to speak with him immediately.
• The constant emails were an unwelcome intrusion into his busy schedule.

Commonly used when someone's actions gradually invade someone else's space, rights, or territory. Often discussed in legal, environmental, or social contexts.

• The new building project is an encroachment on the protected wetlands.
• He felt the encroachment of his colleagues' demands on his personal time.

Used to describe breaking a law, rule, or agreement. It has a strong negative connotation and is often more severe than other terms.

• Speeding is a violation of traffic laws.
• The company's data breach was a serious violation of customer privacy.