trespass

plural trespasses

1. countableuncountablelawAn intentional interference with another's property or person.

   External infrastructure issues such as severe weather and trespass caused 17.1% of [train] cancellations, [...].

   2019 December 18, Andrew Roden, “New measurements reveal improvement in punctuality”, in Rail, page 24

   2 more examples

   Network Rail has produced a free downloadable comic highlighting the consequences of railway trespass. Between March 23 and April 26, there were 1,024 trespass incidents on the railway. [...] it is based on the company's award-winning safety film 18, which shows the dangers of trespass, especially around electrified lines.

   2020 June 17, “Stop & Examine”, in Rail, page 71

   Newark Mayor Ras Baraka "committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings" to leave Delaney Hall, a facility being run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to acting US attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba.

   2025 May 9, Max Matza, “New Jersey mayor arrested in protest at migrant centre”, in BBC

2. archaiccountableuncountablesin

   Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us

   1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Matthew 6:14–15

present singular third person trespasses · participle present trespassing · participle past trespassed · past trespassed

1. archaicintransitiveTo commit an offence; to sin.

   In the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the Lord.

   1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, 2 Chronicles 28:22

   Synonyms: transgress

2. obsoletetransitiveTo offend against, to wrong (someone).

   And forgeve us oure trespases, even as we forgeve them which trespas us.

   1526, [William Tyndale, transl.], The Newe Testamẽt […] (Tyndale Bible), [Worms, Germany: Peter Schöffer], →OCLC, Matthew vj:[14]

3. intransitiveTo go too far; to put someone to inconvenience by demand or importunity; to intrude.

   to trespass upon the time or patience of another

   1 more example

   "Indeed I have, sir," was her answer. "She is a great deal too ill to be moved. Mr. Jones says we must not think of moving her. We must trespass a little longer on your kindness."

   1813 January 27, [Jane Austen], Pride and Prejudice: […], volume (please specify |volume=I to III), London: […] [George Sidney] for T[homas] Egerton, […], →OCLC

   Synonyms: cross the line

4. lawTo enter someone else's property illegally.
5. obsoleteTo pass beyond a limit or boundary; hence, to depart; to go.

   1523–1525, Jean Froissart, John Bourchier, 2nd Baron Berners (translator), Froissart's Chronicles Soon after this, noble Robert de Bruce […] trespassed out of this uncertain world.

   Synonyms: exceed, surpass, transcend

6. New ZealandespeciallytransitivelawTo subject [someone] to a trespass notice, formally notifying them that they are prohibited from entry to a property, such that any current or future presence there will constitute trespass, (especially) criminal trespass

   The dean trespassed the streaker from his university.

   3 more examples

   A year ago a sheep-man was allowing his flocks to trespass on another public-domain licensee. At his third offense, after warnings, he was "trespassed" and given a fairly stiff fine and a warning that a fourth offense would cost him his grazing rights.

   1946 January 26, Neil M. Clark, “Hoof Highway”, in The Saturday Evening Post, volume 218, number 30, page 52

   "I only grabbed your arm because I wanted to trespass you," the man said. "What the hell does that mean?" I replied. The man walked into the building and came out with a laminated plastic card, like the one police use when they are reading suspects their rights. He read a warning: "You are hereby notified that you are trespassing on private property. If you do not leave this property, you will be guilty of trespass under Nevada Revised Statutes... etc., etc." Having been so "trespassed," I then decided it was prudent to leave.

   1996 April 16, Glenn Campbell, “Another Business Office Found”, in The Groom Lake Desert Rat, number 35, Rachel, NV, archived from the original on 23 Feb 1998

   The entire police force has in effect been trespassed from a Wellington property to stop officers checking whether a heavy-sleeping offender is complying with an overnight bail curfew.

   2012 June 21, Greg O'Connor, “Criminal trespasses police officers”, in Stuff