Inroad

Part of speech: noun (n.)

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.

Synonyms: Invasion; incursion; irruption. See Invasion.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

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