encroach

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb advance beyond the usual limit
  2. verb impinge or infringe upon

Etymology

From Middle English encrochen, from Old French encrochier (“to seize”), from Old French en- + croc (“hook”), of Germanic origin. More at crook.

In classic literature

Synonyms

infringe, impinge

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