encroachment

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)
encroachment
    n 1: any entry into an area not previously occupied; "an
         invasion of tourists"; "an invasion of locusts" [syn:
         {invasion}, {encroachment}, {intrusion}]
    2: entry to another's property without right or permission [syn:
       {trespass}, {encroachment}, {violation}, {intrusion},
       {usurpation}]
    3: influencing strongly; "they resented the impingement of
       American values on European culture" [syn: {impingement},
       {encroachment}, {impact}]
    
from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Encroachment \En*croach"ment\, n.
   1. The act of entering gradually or silently upon the rights
      or possessions of another; unlawful intrusion.
      [1913 Webster]

            An unconstitutional encroachment of military power
            on the civil establishment.           --Bancroft.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. That which is taken by encroaching on another.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. (Law) An unlawful diminution of the possessions of
      another.
      [1913 Webster]
    
from Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
ENCROACHMENT. An unlawful gaining upon the right or possession of another; 
as, when a man sets his fence beyond his line; in this case the proper 
remedy for the party injured is an action of ejectment, or an action of 
trespass. 
    
from Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0
35 Moby Thesaurus words for "encroachment":
      adoption, appropriation, arrogation, assumption, entrance,
      entrenchment, impingement, imposition, incursion, infiltration,
      influx, infraction, infringement, injection, inroad, insinuation,
      interference, interjection, interloping, interposition,
      interposure, interruption, intervention, intrusion, invasion,
      irruption, obtrusion, overstepping, playing God, seizure,
      transgression, trespass, trespassing, unlawful entry, usurpation

    

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