inroad Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun an encroachment or intrusion
- they made inroads in the United States market
noun an invasion or hostile attack

The entrance of an enemy into a country with purposes of hostility; a sudden or desultory incursion or invasion; raid; encroachment.
The loss of Shrewsbury exposed all North Wales to the daily inroads of the enemy. Clarendon.

With perpetual inroads to alarm, Though inaccessible, his fatal throne. Milton.
Syn. -- Invasion; incursion; irruption. See Invasion.

imperfect & past participle Inroaded; present participle & verbal noun Inroading

To make an inroad into; to invade. Obs.
The Saracens . . . conquered Spain, inroaded Aquitaine. Fuller.