Definition of encroach

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encroachment >

en·croach    (n-krch) KEY 

intr.v.
en·croached, en·croach·ing, en·croach·es

1. To take another's possessions or rights gradually or stealthily: encroach on a neighbor's land.
2. To advance beyond proper or former limits: desert encroaching upon grassland.
3. Football To commit encroachment.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English encrochen, to seize illegally, from Old French encrochier, to seize : en-, in ; see en-¹ + croc, hook ( of Germanic origin)

OTHER FORMS:
en·croacher(Noun)