What does trespass mean?
Trespass is a formal word for an unauthorized or unwarranted intrusion. As a noun, it names an act such as entering private land without permission, and it can also refer more broadly to a violation of someone's property, privacy, rights, or authority. As a verb, “to trespass” means to enter prohibited or private property, encroach on someone else's rights, or exceed the limits of what one is entitled to do. The word commonly appears in legal notices, property warnings, and discussions of boundaries and privacy. Its strong association with law gives it a more serious and formal tone than words such as “intrude,” while its broader figurative uses make it effective when describing the overstepping of personal or institutional boundaries. In everyday speech, it may suggest either a minor boundary violation or a deliberate and morally objectionable intrusion, depending on context.
An act of entering land, property, or a restricted area without authorization, or an unwarranted intrusion into someone's rights or privacy.
"The security guard reported the trespass to the property manager."
To enter land or a restricted area without permission, or to intrude upon a right, privilege, or boundary.
"Visitors were told not to trespass beyond the marked path."
The verb is formal and is especially frequent in legal and official contexts.
The plural is used when referring to separate acts of unauthorized entry or intrusion.
"Repeated trespasses led to stronger security measures."
Trespass began with the idea of passing across a boundary; over time, it came to describe the boundary-breaking itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does trespass come from?
Trespass comes through Old French trespasser from a medieval Latin form meaning “to pass across.” Its components reflect the Latin prefix trans- (“across”) and a root associated with passing or stepping. The word originally conveyed the idea of crossing or passing over a boundary, before developing its familiar legal sense of entering property without authorization. Its relatives include English words such as pass, passage, transit, and transgress.
Related word forms
How trespass is actually used
Trespass is formal in general use and especially common in legal and official contexts. In British and American law, it most often refers to unauthorized entry onto land; outside that setting, it can describe any serious intrusion into someone's rights or privacy. The expression “no trespassing” is widely used on signs and notices.