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Definition encroach in British English

encroach verb

[intransitive] verb
/ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ/
1

to gradually take something such as power or authority from someone else

Example

The federal government is encroaching on a state issue.

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2

to cover more land gradually

Example

Housing developments continue to encroach on wildlife habitats.

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3

to gradually reduce the amount of time that someone has available to do what they want to do

Example

I didn't want work to encroach any more on my spare time.

Synonyms and related words
Definition encroach in British English