En·croach v. i. [imp. & p. p. Encroached p. pr. & vb. n. Encroaching.] To enter by gradual steps or by stealth into the possessions or rights of another; to trespass; to intrude; to trench; -- commonly with on or upon; as, to encroach on a neighbor; to encroach on the highway.
No sense, faculty, or member must encroach upon or interfere with the duty and office of another. --South.
Superstition, . . . a creeping and encroaching evil. --Hooker.
Exclude the encroaching cattle from thy ground. --Dryden.
Syn: -- To intrude; trench; infringe; invade; trespass.
encroaching
adj : gradually intrusive without right or permission; "we moved
back from the encroaching tide"; "invasive tourists";
"trespassing hunters" [syn: encroaching(a), invasive,
trespassing(a)]