Reading Theme:
Trespass Definition, Examples & Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：enter without permission (trespass)
trespass
/ˈtrɛspəs/
vi.
To enter someone's land or property without permission, like walking into a neighbor's yard without asking.
enter without permission
➕
/ˈɛntər wɪˈðaʊt pərˈmɪʃən/
vi.
To physically go onto someone else's land or property without having the legal right or consent to do so.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'trans' (across) + 'passus' (step), meaning to step across a boundary.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'tres' (three) + 'pass' – imagine three steps crossing into forbidden land.
📖 Example
The sign clearly said 'No Trespassing', but he still climbed over the fence to take a shortcut.
The sign clearly said 'No Trespassing', but he still climbed over the fence to take a shortcut.
🔗 Collocations
trespass on private property – to illegally enter land that belongs to someone else
trespass against the law – to commit the offense of unlawful entry
trespass upon another's land – to go onto someone else's land without permission
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
respect boundaries (phrase) – To honor and not cross the limits set by others
stay out (phrasal verb) – To remain outside a particular area or property
observe limits (phrase) – To follow the rules or restrictions of a space
🌱 Derivatives
trespasser (n.) – A person who enters someone else's land or property without permission
trespassing (n.) – The act of entering without permission
trespassed (v. (past)) – Past tense of trespass; having entered without permission
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Old French 'trespasser' (to cross over), it entered English law as a term for unlawful entry. In modern usage, 'No Trespassing' signs are common on private property.
Meaning 2：violate a personal boundary (trespass)
trespass
/ˈtrɛspəs/
vi.
To offend someone or violate a social rule, like when you say something hurtful that crosses a personal boundary.
violate a personal boundary
➕
/ˈvaɪəleɪt ə ˈpɜːrsənl ˈbaʊndəri/
vi.
To go beyond what is socially acceptable or to offend someone by crossing a line of respect or privacy.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
His harsh criticism felt like a trespass on her personal feelings, making her very upset.
His harsh criticism felt like a trespass on her personal feelings, making her very upset.
🔗 Collocations
trespass on someone's feelings – to say or do something that hurts someone's emotions
trespass against decency – to act in a way that offends accepted moral standards
trespass upon a person's rights – to violate someone's legal or social entitlements
🔄 Synonyms
offend (vt.) – To cause someone to feel upset, angry, or hurt, especially by saying or doing something disrespectful
violate (vt.) – To break a rule, agreement, or expectation, especially regarding someone's feelings or privacy
transgress (vi.) – To go beyond the limits of what is morally or socially acceptable
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
trespasser (n.) – A person who offends or crosses social boundaries (less common in figurative use)
trespassing (fig.) (n.) – The act of offending someone socially
trespassed (fig.) (v. (past)) – Past tense of trespass in a figurative sense; having offended someone
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