encroach
Meaning: To gradually intrude upon or advance beyond proper or accepted limits, especially in a way that infringes on another's rights, territory, or time.
Encroach implies a slow, often insidious, trespass — not a sudden invasion but a creeping advance. It is almost always followed by 'on' or 'upon.' Common contexts include urban sprawl encroaching on countryside, work encroaching on personal time, and government encroaching on civil liberties. The noun 'encroachment' is widely used in planning law, property disputes, and rights discourse.
Examples
- The relentless expansion of suburban housing continues to encroach upon green belt land. 郊区住宅的不断扩张持续蚕食着绿化带用地。La expansión incesante de las urbanizaciones periféricas sigue invadiendo el cinturón verde.郊外住宅の容赦ない拡大が、グリーンベルトの土地を侵食し続けている。교외 주택의 끊임없는 확장이 그린벨트 지역을 계속 잠식하고 있다.
- She was determined not to let her professional responsibilities encroach on her family life. 她决心不让职业责任侵占家庭生活。Estaba decidida a no dejar que sus responsabilidades profesionales invadieran su vida familiar.彼女は仕事上の責任が家庭生活に侵入することを断固として許さなかった。그녀는 직업적 책임이 가정생활을 침범하는 것을 결코 허용하지 않겠다고 결심했다.
- Critics warned that the new surveillance powers would encroach upon fundamental civil liberties. 批评人士警告说,新的监控权力将侵犯基本公民自由。Los críticos advirtieron de que las nuevas facultades de vigilancia invadirían las libertades civiles fundamentales.批判者たちは、新たな監視権限が基本的な市民の自由を侵害すると警告した。비판자들은 새로운 감시 권한이 기본적 시민의 자유를 침해할 것이라고 경고했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: legal, political, journalism
Tone: critical
Origin & History
From Old French encrochier (to seize, to hook), from en- (in) + croc (a hook). The image is of hooking or clawing into territory that is not one's own. Entered English in the 14th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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