Encroach

To gradually advance beyond established limits or boundaries; to trespass or intrude upon someone's property, rights, territory, or area. Often used to describe a slow or subtle taking over, often unwanted or unauthorized. This can involve physical space, but also abstract domains like privacy, freedom, or authority. The act usually implies a form of aggression or usurpation, albeit often unintentional or subtle. It suggests a gradual and potentially harmful extension of something into something else and a gradual undermining, or a gradual taking over of something else.

Encroach meaning with examples

• Urban sprawl continues to encroach upon valuable farmland, transforming fertile fields into housing developments and commercial areas. The local community voiced concerns about the loss of agricultural land and its impact on local food production. The developers, however, stated their plans were necessary to meet rising demand and create more homes.
• The relentless expansion of the internet is starting to encroach on personal privacy, with companies collecting vast amounts of user data and governments increasingly monitoring online activity. Concerns are rising about the balance between security and individual rights. It remains to be seen if legislation will catch up with this growing technology.
• The new CEO's management style began to encroach on the autonomy of department heads, making crucial decisions without their input, fostering resentment. They found themselves gradually losing control and a sense of being valued. The departments expressed concerns over the centralized authority and the decline of their role.
• The weeds threatened to encroach on the carefully tended garden beds, steadily spreading their roots. The gardener had to take proactive measures to remove the invaders to preserve the beauty of the established landscape. They frequently checked for stray weeds, pulling them when spotted.
• The military base's security perimeter began to encroach into the surrounding wildlife reserve, causing habitat loss and disruption of the animal populations, disturbing the natural balance. Conservationists sought ways to maintain the protected areas from such developments.