to encroach upon

Examples

• All

• Neutral, generally applicable laws that incidentally encroach upon the free exercise of religion are constitutionally valid.

  Academic text (2010)

• In other words, sustainable development recognizes that the goals of unlimited consumption encroach upon nature and must be constrained.

  Academic text (1999)

• Much development in urban and industrial areas would not encroach upon natural systems.

  Academic text (1992)

• On the legislative front, the European Commission has taken numerous steps that further encroach upon national sovereignty in intellectual property matters.

  Academic text (1994)

• Each branch of the government must be confined to the exercise of its own function and not allowed to encroach upon the functions of the other branches.

  Academic text (1997)

• The formation of unaccountable supranational bodies is quickly encroaching upon our individual sovereignty.

  Blog text (18)

• An independent counsel significantly controlled by the judiciary would almost certainly encroach upon the executive branch's traditional powers to enforce the laws and prosecute criminals.

  Academic text (1998)

• On the one side are those who feel that the judiciary has overstepped its bounds and is encroaching upon the traditional province of the political branches.

  Academic text (2003)

• His adherence to the traditional view of individual autonomy explains why he contended that the restrictions on electioneering were less likely to encroach upon First Amendment freedoms.

  Academic text (2017)

• The workers realized that their new schedule would encroach upon their family time.

Synonyms

I

to intrude

vsto encroach upon

105 4.4

To go into a place or conversation where you are not welcome

highlights gradual violation of someone's space or privacy rather than simple entry

I

to invade

vsto encroach upon

77 4.1

To enter someone's space or private life without permission

implies slower, creeping violation of rights or privacy rather than forceful entry

T

to trespass

vsto encroach upon

70 5.9

To go beyond a limit or rule without permission

emphasizes slow, progressive violation of someone's space or privacy rather than boundary breach

I

to infringe

vsto encroach upon

• Formal

68 6.8

Break a rule or law and go against someone's rights

covers gradual overstepping of personal space or rights rather than legal breach only

B

to break in

vsto encroach upon

30 3.4

To interrupt a conversation or activity without being invited

is about gradual trespass of someone's space or rights rather than momentary interruption

E

to encroach

vsto encroach upon

27 7.3

To gradually move into someone else's area, space, or rights without permission

is the phrasal form used to stress gradual intrusion on rights or privacy

I

to intrude on

vsto encroach upon

22 4.6

To go into someone's space or life without permission

focuses on slow violation of space, rights, or privacy rather than any intrusion

C

to creep in

vsto encroach upon

14 4.9

To begin to appear or affect someone slowly and quietly

describes slow, unwelcome intrusion specifically into someone's space or rights

P

to pry into

vsto encroach upon

• Informal

8 7.2

Try to find out private things about someone in an annoying way

focuses on gradual violation of privacy rather than only seeking personal information

H

to horn in

vsto encroach upon

• Informal

5 8.2

To join a conversation or activity without being invited

is about gradual violation of space or rights rather than casual meddling alone

S

to step on someone's toes

vsto encroach upon

• Informal

4 6.6

Make someone angry by doing their job or making decisions for them

describes slow violation of someone's role or space rather than one-off offence

P

to poke one's nose into

vsto encroach upon

• Informal

1 7.3

To try to take part in other people's business without being asked

highlights creeping, progressive intrusion into someone's private space or rights

S

to stick one's nose into

vsto encroach upon

• UK

1 7.9

To get involved in other people's business without being asked

refers specifically to slow, unwelcome invasion of privacy or responsibilities rather than mere interference

O

to obtrude

vsto encroach upon

1 9.1

Push yourself into a place or conversation when people do not want you

is about ongoing, gradual encroachment on space or rights rather than blunt forcing

P

to pry into someone's business

vsto encroach upon

• Informal

1 7.5

To try to find out private things about someone without their permission

describes slow encroachment on privacy and personal boundaries rather than simple curiosity

O

to obtrude upon

vsto encroach upon

8.7

To force yourself into someone's space or attention without being invited

involves creeping intrusion over time rather than sudden, attention grabbing forcing

I

to interlope

vsto encroach upon

• Archaic

9.9

To enter or take part in something where you are not allowed, often selling without a license

is broader, meaning slow intrusion on personal space or rights not limited to trade

How Intrusive

to invade

380 4.4

to intrude on

22 4.6

to trespass

11 4.9

to encroach upon

2 6.8

to impinge on

• Formal

3 7.5

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology