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Trespass Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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trespass

[ˈtrɛspəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

on private property

Enter someone's land or property without permission.

Synonyms

encroach, intrude, violate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
trespass

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
intrude

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
encroach

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
violate

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

Examples of usage

  • He was charged with trespassing on private property.
  • The sign clearly stated 'No Trespassing'.
Context #2 | Noun

legal term

The wrongful act of entering onto someone else's property without permission.

Synonyms

encroachment, intrusion, violation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
trespass

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?
intrusion

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.
encroachment

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.
violation

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.

Examples of usage

  • He was arrested for committing trespass on the construction site.
  • The owner sued him for trespass and damages.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'trespass'

The word 'trespass' originated from Old French 'trespas', meaning 'offense, sin'. It has been used in English since the 13th century. The concept of trespass has roots in legal and moral boundaries, defining what is considered acceptable behavior on another person's property.

See also: trespasser, trespasses, trespassing.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,689 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.