tres|pass

tres|pass «TREHS puhs, -pas», verb, noun.

–v.i.

1. a) to go on somebody's property without any right: »

The farmer put up “No Trespassing” signs to keep hunters off his farm.

SYNONYM(S): encroach, infringe, invade. See syn. under intrude. (Cf. ↑intrude) b) Law. to commit any trespass.

2. Figurative. to go beyond the limits of what is right, proper, or polite: »

I won't trespass on your kind hospitality any longer.

SYNONYM(S): encroach, infringe, invade. See syn. under intrude. (Cf. ↑intrude)

3. to do wrong; sin: »

... as we forgive those who trespass against us (Lord's Prayer).

–n.

1. the act or fact of trespassing: »

Since the farmer had permitted them to fish in his pond the boys were not guilty of trespass.

SYNONYM(S): encroachment, infringement.

2. a wrong; sin: »

Forgive us our trespasses (Lord's Prayer).

SYNONYM(S): transgression, offense.

3. a) an unlawful act done by force against the person, property, or rights of another. b) a legal action to recover damages for such an injury.

╂[< Old French trespasser to trespass < tres- across (< Latin trāns-) + passer to pass (< pas a step < Latin passus, -ūs). Compare etym. under pace¹. (Cf. ↑pace)]

–tres´pass|er, noun.