'accroach' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'acrocher,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'crochier' meant 'to hook or seize.'

'acrocher' transformed into the Middle English word 'accrochen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'accroach.'

Initially, it meant 'to hook or seize,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to seize power or authority without right.'