Words / C1

in-KROHCH/ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ/

To encroach is to go gradually beyond a limit onto someone else’s land, time, or rights: encroach on a path, encroach on a sitting. Intrude is a close twin, often sudden; trespass is legal land; respect a boundary sits opposite. A camera at the fire door is an encroachment, not colour.

Meaning

To gradually go beyond a limit onto someone else’s land, time, or rights.

Examples

• “Cameras must not encroach on the fire door during invigilation.”
• “Intrude is a close twin. Impinge is formal. Trespass is land law. Press is a purpose. An exit is a statutory gap. Stand back; shoot after, elsewhere.”

Good to know

Gradually intrude beyond a limit. Close: intrude. Land law: trespass. A camera at an exit is an encroachment.

Near in meaning

intrude

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