Encroaching — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /in-ˈkrōch/ en·croach

Meaning & Definition of Encroaching

Encroaching (verb)

  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

Encroaching (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits

    "each year the sea continues to encroach upon the island's beaches"

    similar: creeping, inching, worming
    related: snaking, sneaking, entrenching, impinging, infringing, intruding, invading, overpassing, overreaching, overrunning, overshooting, overstepping

Related Entry: Encroach (verb)

Encroach is a different word from Encroaching. The synonyms below are for encroach, not for encroaching.

  1. to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits

    "each year the sea continues to encroach upon the island's beaches"

    similar: creep, inch, worm
    related: snake, sneak, entrench, impinge, infringe, intrude, invade, overpass, overreach, overrun, overshoot, overstep

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Encroaching

The most common words with a similar meaning to Encroaching:

creeping, inching, worming

Related Words for Encroaching

snaking, sneaking, entrenching, impinging, infringing, intruding, invading, overpassing, overreaching, overrunning, overshooting, overstepping

Word Forms of Encroaching

Inflections: encroached, encroaches

Derived words: encroacher (noun), encroachment (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Encroaching

Middle English encrochen to get, seize, from Anglo-French encrocher, from en- + croc, croche hook crochet

First known use: 1528

Frequently Asked Questions about Encroaching

What does "Encroaching" mean?

"Encroaching" means to enter by gradual steps or by stealth into the possessions or rights of another. As a verb, it is defined as: to enter by gradual steps or by stealth into the possessions or rights of another.

What is another word for "Encroaching"?

Other words for "Encroaching" include creeping, inching and worming. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Encroaching" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Encroaching"?

There are 15 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Encroaching". Common alternatives include creeping, inching and worming.

How do you use "Encroaching" in a sentence?

Examples of "Encroaching" in a sentence: "each year the sea continues to encroach upon the island's beaches".

Is "Encroaching" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Encroaching" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Encroaching"?

"Encroaching" is pronounced /in-ˈkrōch/ and divided into syllables as en·croach.

What is the origin of the word "Encroaching"?

"Encroaching" comes from Middle English encrochen to get, seize, from Anglo-French encrocher, from en- + croc, croche hook crochet. First known use: 1528.

What is another word for "Encroaching" meaning "to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits"?

When "Encroaching" (verb) means to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits, synonyms include creeping, inching and worming.