ENCROACHES ON Meaning and
Definition
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To encroach on something, in the context of this phrase, refers to the act of trespassing, infringing, or gradually invading an established domain or territory, thereby imposing on someone's rights, space, or boundaries. This phrase often involves a gradual and subtle intrusion, more specifically referring to the encroachment on an area or domain that should be excluded or protected.
When something or someone encroaches on another entity, it disregards the established barriers, limits, or personal freedoms, potentially causing a reduction in the targeted entity's autonomy or independence. This encroachment can occur in various contexts such as physical territory, personal privacy, professional boundaries, legal jurisdictions, or even intellectual property.
For instance, if construction activities extend beyond the designated property lines onto a neighboring plot, it could be said that the construction encroaches on the neighboring property. Similarly, when a person imposes themselves in someone else's personal space or privacy without consent, they are encroaching on their boundaries. In a metaphorical sense, a large corporation can be considered as encroaching on the market share of smaller businesses by overshadowing their presence or absorbing their customers.
Therefore, "encroaches on" denotes an act of intrusion or infringement that oversteps established boundaries, limits, or rights, potentially leading to a reduction in independence, privacy, or authority.
Common Misspellings for ENCROACHES ON
- wncroaches on
- sncroaches on
- dncroaches on
- rncroaches on
- 4ncroaches on
- 3ncroaches on
- ebcroaches on
- emcroaches on
- ejcroaches on
- ehcroaches on
- enxroaches on
- envroaches on
- enfroaches on
- endroaches on
- enceoaches on
- encdoaches on
- encfoaches on
- enctoaches on
- enc5oaches on
- enc4oaches on
Etymology of ENCROACHES ON
The word "encroaches" comes from the Middle English word "encrochen", which is derived from the Old French word "encrochier". This French term originally meant "to hook" or "to seize", and it came from the Latin word "in" (meaning "in" or "upon") and the Old High German word "hrok" (meaning "a hook"). Over time, the meaning of "encroaches" evolved to refer to gradually intruding upon someone's territory, rights, or space. When combined with the preposition "on", as in "encroaches on", it suggests the act of intruding or trespassing upon an area or domain that one does not belong to.
