enc
roach
Third Person
encroaches
Present Participle
encroaching
Past Tense
encroached
Past Participle
encroached
1
to gradually moving forward or extending beyond established boundaries or limits
- The company's expansion plans gradually encroach on the outskirts of the town, prompting discussions about urban development.
- Over time, urbanization encroached upon rural areas, altering the landscape and lifestyle of local communities.
- The forest slowly encroached onto the abandoned farmland, reclaiming the territory left untended for decades.
- With careful planning, we can prevent urban sprawl from encroaching further into natural reserves, preserving biodiversity for future generations.
- Without proper zoning regulations, industrialization could encroach deeper into natural reserves, threatening local ecosystems.
2
to intrude upon or infringe upon someone else's territory, rights, or space, often causing harm or inconvenience
- The construction of the new building encroaches upon the neighboring property, leading to a legal dispute.
- The noisy neighbors are encroaching on our privacy by playing loud music late at night.
- The expanding city encroached upon the natural habitat of many species, leading to their decline.
- The company's aggressive marketing strategy was encroaching on the market share of its competitors.
- If we don't take action now, urban development will continue to encroach on the countryside.