verb
trespass
TREHS-puhs
verb
1
To enter someone's land or property without permission.
"Hikers were warned not to trespass on the farmer's field."
2
(dated or formal) To do wrong; to sin or offend against someone.
"The old prayer asks forgiveness for those who trespass against us."
noun
1
The act of entering private property without the owner's permission.
"The company was sued for trespass after workers crossed onto neighboring land."
How to Use Trespass
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo go onto someone's property without being allowed to — or, in older or religious language, to do wrong against someone.
Common pairings
trespass on private property
no trespassing
trespass against someone
Word Forms
trespassed past tense, trespasses plural, trespasses singular
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Hikers were warned not to _____ on the farmer's field.
Etymology
From Old French trespas, "a passing across, an offense," from trespasser, "to pass beyond, transgress" — built from tres- ("across") and passer ("to pass").