encroach

/ɛŋˈkɹəʊtʃ/verb

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

Example sentence

“New housing developments continue to encroach on the wetlands.”

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

Related words

encryptionThe scrambling of information so that it can only be read by someone with the right key or password.encounterA meeting with someone or something, often one that was not planned.encyclopediaA wide-ranging reference work covering many areas of knowledge, produced in any format, not only as a set of books.encompassTo form a ring around something; to surround it completely.endearingTo make someone or something more loved, valued, or cherished.enchantingTo fill someone with delight and fascination; to charm.