Literary notes about encroach (AI summary)
The term “encroach” in literature is often used to evoke a sense of gradual and sometimes imperceptible invasion into an area that is already occupied or reserved. Writers use it both in a literal sense—as when natural elements like the ocean or water steadily overrun land or air-space [1],[2],[3]—and in metaphorical contexts, where abstract realms such as personal desires, moral boundaries, or state prerogatives are infringed upon [4],[5],[6]. Across genres, this word carries a dual meaning of both physical and conceptual transgression, underscoring the tension between expansion and the maintenance of established limits.
- Ocean, as if forgetful of its ancient bounds, would continue to encroach upon the land.
— from The Testimony of the Rocksor, Geology in Its Bearings on the Two Theologies, Natural and Revealed by Hugh Miller - Plunge the glass further in the water; the water will encroach on the air-space without filling it entirely; so air yields somewhat to pressure.
— from Emile by Jean-Jacques Rousseau - The stream of power as it rolls peacefully along, is daily strengthening the banks, which every day, though imperceptibly, encroach on it."
— from The Slave Trade, Domestic and Foreign Why It Exists, and How It May Be Extinguished by Henry Charles Carey - She marked a line where the light of duty should not encroach on the light of our human desires.
— from Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith by George Meredith - These considerations should allay all apprehension that we are disposed to encroach on the rights or endanger the security of other states.
— from A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents Volume 5, part 3: Franklin Pierce - Within these rights he is truly sovereign, and the state may not encroach on them to impose any obligation whatsoever.
— from The New German Constitution by René Brunet
