trespass

trespass [tres′pəs; ] also, esp. for v. [, tres′pas΄]

vi.

[ME trespassen < OFr trespasser < VL * transpassare, to pass across < L trans-,TRANS- + VL * passare, to pass < L passus: see PACE¹]

1. to go beyond the limits of what is considered right or moral; do wrong; transgress

2. to go on another's land or property without permission or right

3. to intrude or encroach [to trespass on one's time]

4. Law to commit a trespass

n.

[ME trespas < OFr < the v.]

the act or an instance of trespassing; specif.,

a) a moral offense; transgression

b) an encroachment or intrusion

c) Law an illegal act done forcefully against another's person, rights, or property; also, legal action for damages resulting from this

trespasser

n.

SYN.- TRESPASS implies an unlawful or unwarranted entrance upon the property, rights, etc. of another [to trespass on a private beach ]; to ENCROACH is to make such inroads by stealth or gradual advances [squatters encroaching on our lands ]; INFRINGE implies an encroachment that breaks a law or agreement or violates the rights of others [to infringe on a patent ]; INTRUDE implies a thrusting oneself into company, situations, etc. without being asked or wanted [to intrude on one's privacy ]; INVADE implies a forcible or hostile entrance into the territory or rights of others [to invade a neighboring state ]