Trespass Meaning
/ˈtɹɛspæs/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounAn intentional interference with another's property or person.
nounsin
Sentence Examples
It was foolish of him to trespass against the law.
It was not permitted that the inhabitants trespass in the area.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The farmer reported the ____ of his property to the police.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The sign on the gate warned people not to ____ on the private property to avoid any future legal problems today.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed into Middle English trespas, from Old French trespas (“passage; offense against the law”), from trespasser.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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:
"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:
"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:
"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:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The farmer reported the ____ of his property to the police.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The sign on the gate warned people not to ____ on the private property to avoid any future legal problems today.