WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025
ac•croach
(ə krōch′),USA pronunciation v.t.
ac•croach′ment, n.
- to assume to oneself without right or authority;
usurp.
- Gmc) with ac- ac-; compare encroach
- Anglo-French a(c)crocher to catch hold of, seize, usurp, Old French: derivative of croc hook, crook1 (
- Middle English acrochen 1275–1325