(~es, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
If one thing ~es on another, the first thing spreads or becomes stronger, and slowly begins to restrict the power, range, or effectiveness of the second thing. (FORMAL)
The new institutions do not ~ on political power...
The movie industry had chosen to ignore the ~ing competition of television.
VERB: V on/upon n, V-ing disapproval
2.
If something ~es on a place, it spreads and takes over more and more of that place. (FORMAL)
The rhododendrons ~ed ever more on the twisting drive...
I turned into the dirt road and followed it through ~ing trees and bushes.
VERB: V on n, V-ing