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encroach

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encroached

Main Entry:: en·croach
Pronunciation:: \in-ˈkrōch, en-\
Function:: intransitive verb
Etymology:: Middle English encrochen to get, seize, from Anglo-French encrocher, from en- + croc, croche hook — more at crochet
Date:: 1528

1 : to enter by gradual steps or by stealth into the possessions or rights of another 2 : to advance beyond the usual or proper limits <the gradually encroaching sea>

synonyms see trespass

— en·croach·er noun

— en·croach·ment

Listen to the pronunciation of encroachment

\-ˈkrōch-mənt\ noun

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