Trespass Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of TRESPASS

[no object]

1

:

to go on someone's land without permission

• He told me I was trespassing.
• The sign said “No Trespassing.”

— often + on

• The hunters trespassed on the farmer's land.

2

old-fashioned

:

to do something that hurts or offends someone

— usually + against

• We must try to forgive those who trespass against us.

3

formal

:

to treat someone unfairly especially by asking for or expecting more than is fair or reasonable

— often + on or upon

• I hope I am not trespassing on/upon your time. [=I hope I am not using too much of your time]

— trespasser

noun,

plural

trespassers

[count]

Britannica Dictionary definition of TRESPASS

1

law

:

the crime of going on someone's land without permission

[noncount]

• He was arrested for trespass.

[count]

• They committed a trespass.

2

[count]

old-fashioned

:

a sin or other wrong or improper act

• Forgive us our trespasses.