ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›E›encroach
ISEE/SSAThard
encroach
to intrude gradually on another's territory, rights, or space
Synonyms
- intrude
- trespass
- infringe
Antonyms
encroach in a sentence
New housing developments began to encroach on the surrounding wetlands.
The ruler's new decrees encroached upon powers long held by local councils.
Where it comes from
From Old French encrochier, meaning 'to seize or catch with a hook.'
Memory hook
ENCROACH contains ROACH: imagine roaches gradually intruding into a kitchen.
Read it in context
- The Season of Reckoning History