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Trespass vs Encroach vs Entrench vs Infringe vs Invade

Trespassencroachentrenchinfringeinvade all mean to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another.

Trespass implies an intrusion, often one that is either an unwarranted and unpardonable or an unlawful and offensive intrusion.

Encroach usually implies gradual or stealthy entrance upon another’s territory or assumption of another’s rights or possessions; the term may imply either the act of a person or the agency of a thing.

Entrench may throw less emphasis than do the preceding words upon unlawful intrusion and more upon cutting or digging into what belongs to another, what should be used in another way, or what is outside one’s sphere.

Infringe implies an encroachment that is a clear breach of the law or violation of the rights of another.

Invade implies a definite entrance into the territory or rights of another usually with hostile intent or injurious effect.