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encroach

Verb

IPA /ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ/

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Meaning in plain English

To gradually take up too much of someone's time, space or rights.

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Pronunciation

encroach/ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ/

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An evening is reserved for family
Work calls start taking over
Less personal time remains

Work can encroach on personal time by gradually occupying too much of it.

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Late-night work calls began to encroach on our family time.
The extra administrative tasks encroached on the researchers' laboratory time.

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Late-night work calls began to ________ on our family time.

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encroach — To gradually take up too much of someone's time, space or rights.

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To gradually take up too much of someone's time, space or rights.

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Word origin

From Old French encrochier, meaning to seize or fasten onto, related to a word for a hook.

Did you know?

Encroach can also describe something gradually spreading over an area.

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