[syn: impingement, encroachment, impact]
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]
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]