encroach on
Third Person
encroaches on
Present Participle
encroaching on
Past Tense
encroached on
Past Participle
encroached on
1
to gradually invade a particular area, exceeding established boundaries
- The expanding shopping mall started to encroach on the peaceful park, reducing the green space available to the community.
- The neighbor's fence encroached on our backyard, leaving us with less room for gardening.
- As the population grew, housing developments began to encroach upon the outskirts of the rural area.
2
to ignore or violate the entitled freedoms or privileges of individuals or groups
- The new surveillance laws were criticized for encroaching on citizens' right to privacy.
- The controversial policy seemed to encroach upon freedom of speech, leading to public protests.
- The restrictive dress code was seen as an attempt to encroach on students' rights to express themselves.
- The government's decision to monitor online activities raised concerns about encroaching upon internet users' rights.
- The landlord was accused of encroaching on tenant rights by entering the apartment without notice.