En·croach v. i. [imp. & p. p. Encroached p. pr. & vb. n. Encroaching.]  To enter by gradual steps or by stealth into the possessions or rights of another; to trespass; to intrude; to trench; -- commonly with on or upon; as, to encroach on a neighbor; to encroach on the highway.
    No sense, faculty, or member must encroach upon or interfere with the duty and office of another.   --South.
    Superstition, . . . a creeping and encroaching evil.   --Hooker.
    Exclude the encroaching cattle from thy ground.   --Dryden.
 Syn: -- To intrude; trench; infringe; invade; trespass.


 encroaching
      adj : gradually intrusive without right or permission; "we moved
            back from the encroaching tide"; "invasive tourists";
            "trespassing hunters" [syn: encroaching(a), invasive,
             trespassing(a)]