The phrase "encroach upon" refers to a gradual invasion or intrusion on someone's space, territory, rights, or autonomy without permission. It entails a steady, often unnoticed, expansion or advancement that encircles, invades, or diminishes another person's domain or sphere of influence, causing an infringement or violation of their established boundaries.
When someone or something "encroaches up on" another, it suggests an upward movement or progression that impinges on someone's personal space or prerogatives. This can be applied to physical spaces, as well as metaphorical aspects such as personal freedoms or intellectual property. The encroachment is typically slow and incremental, with the encroaching force perceptibly and insidiously crawling upward or extending its reach, potentially resulting in a gradual reduction of the other party's domain.
For example, if a construction project begins next door to a person's house and the noise and dust from the site increasingly seep into their property over time, it can be said that the construction noise and pollutants are encroaching up on the individual's peaceful environment. Similarly, a larger corporation slowly acquiring smaller businesses in the same industry could be accused of encroaching upon the smaller companies' market shares or encroaching up on their independent operations.
In summary, "encroach up on" is a phrase that describes the progressive infringement or invasion of someone's personal space, rights, or autonomy, often occurring gradually and without notice.
