To advance gradually into someone else's territory, rights, or domain; to intrude or trespass, often in a subtle or incremental way. Can refer to physical space or abstract boundaries.
From Old French 'encrochier' meaning 'to seize' or 'to hook,' from 'en-' (in) plus 'croc' (hook). The image is of hooking onto something that belongs to someone else and gradually pulling it toward yourself.
Imagine a hook ('croc') slowly pulling something toward you—that's encroachment! Like how the ocean encroaches on the shore, or how work responsibilities can encroach on your personal time, bit by bit.
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