encroach

/ɛŋˈkɹəʊtʃ/verb

To gradually take over land, rights, or territory that belongs to someone else.

Example sentences

“New housing developments continue to encroach on the wetlands.”
“She felt her job was starting to encroach on her weekends.”

Takes 'on' or 'upon': development encroaches on wetlands, work encroaches on family time. Gradualness is built into the meaning.

Synonyms for encroach

intrude
trespass
infringe
invade

Find it in: Advanced English words.

Related words

enervateTo drain someone's strength or energy; to weaken.enmityA deep feeling of hatred or hostility toward someone, like that between enemies.ennuiA heavy feeling of boredom and low spirits; weary dissatisfaction with life.egregiousStanding out as remarkably bad; shockingly obvious in a negative way.exacerbateTo make a bad situation, problem, or unpleasant feeling even worse.exasperateTo annoy someone so much that their patience wears out; to make angry.