encroach
UK[ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ]US[ɪnˈkroʊtʃ]
v
To gradually take or begin to use something that belongs to someone else or that you are not supposed to have.
v
To advance beyond proper or former limits.
Morpheme Breakdown
en
croach
en
in, into, on
croach
to hook
Etymology
The word "encroach" entered English in the late 14th century from the Anglo-French verb encrocher, which meant "to seize, fasten on, catch with a hook". This, in turn, came from the Old French en- (in, on) and crochier (to hook), from croche (a hook). The core imagery is of catching or snagging something with a hook, pulling it in. Over time, this literal sense of seizing by hook evolved into the figurative meaning of gradually and improperly intruding upon or taking over the territory, rights, or time of another, much like a hook slowly draws something in. The modern sense retains this notion of stealthy, incremental advance beyond accepted boundaries.
Analysis
Structure: en + croach
en: A prefix of French and Latin origin meaning "in, into, on".
croach: Derived from the Old French root crochier, meaning "to hook".
Examples
The vines are beginning to encroach on the garden path.
The new regulations encroach upon our personal freedoms.
He never allowed his work to encroach on his family time.