1. to gradually take someone’s time, rights, or land
Usage: often followed by ‘on’ or ‘upon’
2. to advance gradually into an area that belongs to someone else

Examples

• The new shopping mall will encroach on the wetlands.
• Don’t let work encroach upon your family time.
• The sea continues to encroach on the coastline.
• Weeds began to encroach on the garden.
• The government should not encroach on citizens’ privacy rights.
• Urban development is encroaching on wildlife habitats.