trespassing

Thân thiện

The sign clearly warns against trespassing on this private property.

Definition

Adjective: 1. Entering or being on someone's land or property without permission or legal right: The primary meaning describes the act of unlawfully crossing a boundary onto private property. 2. Intruding or encroaching in a gradual, unwelcome, or invasive manner: This extends the meaning to describe anything that improperly intrudes upon a space, right, or condition.

Usage and Examples

• As an adjective describing an unlawful entry:
  • The farmer put up signs to warn trespassing hikers.
  • Trespassing vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense.
• As an adjective describing an intrusive action or presence:
  • She felt his questions were a trespassing intrusion on her privacy.
  • The trespassing vines from the neighbor's yard covered the fence.

Advanced Usage

• Legal Context: In law, "trespassing" is the present participle of the verb "trespass" used adjectivally to describe the act that constitutes the civil wrong or crime. It specifies the nature of the action.
  • He was charged with trespassing after ignoring the "No Entry" signs.
• Figurative Use: Can describe non-physical intrusion, such as on someone's time, thoughts, or rights.
  • I apologize for trespassing on your time with this lengthy meeting.

Variants and Related Words

• Trespass (verb): To commit the act of entering property unlawfully or to intrude.
• Trespass (noun): The act or instance of trespassing; a legal term for this offense.
• Trespasser (noun): A person who is trespassing.

Synonyms

• Encroaching: Advancing beyond proper limits, often gradually.
• Intruding: Putting oneself into a place or situation where one is not welcome.
• Poaching (specific to land/game): Hunting or fishing illegally on someone else's property.

Antonyms

• Permitted
• Authorized
• Invited

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To trespass on/upon something: This phrasal form is used with abstract concepts like hospitality, patience, or goodwill.
  • I don't want to trespass upon your generosity any longer.
  • His criticism trespassed on the bounds of common decency.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. gradually intrusive without right or permission
   • we moved back from the encroaching tide
   • invasive tourists
   • trespassing hunters

Từ đồng nghĩa

• encroaching
• invasive
• trespassing