n.
Pronunciation: - ˌ pas also -p ə s
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French trespasser to overtake, exceed, wrong, from tres to a high degree (fr. Latin translation beyond) + passer to passive ― more at THROUGH , PASS
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1 a : ERR , SIN b : to make an unwarranted or uninvited incursion
2 : to commit a trespass especially : to enter unlawfully upon the land of another
transitive verb : VIOLATE < trespass the bounds of good taste>
– tres · pass · er noun
synonyms TRESPASS , ENCROACH , INFRINGE , INVADE mean to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another. TRESPASS implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion <hunters trespassing on farmland>. ENCROACH suggests gradual or stealthy entrance upon another's territory or usurpation of another's rights or possessions <the encroaching settlers displacing the native peoples>. INFRINGE implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative < infringing a copyright>. INVADE implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another <accused of invading their privacy>.