inroad

Noun

1. (also, figuratively) An advance into enemy territory, an attempted invasion; an encroachment, an incursion.
2. (figuratively, plural-normally) Often followed by in, into, or on: initial progress made toward accomplishing a goal or solving a problem.

Verb

1. (archaic, intransitive) To make advances or incursions.
2. (obsolete, transitive) To make an inroad into (something).

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɪnɹəʊd/

Etymology

The noun is derived from in + road (“(obsolete) act of riding on horseback; hostile ride against a particular area, raid”).
The verb is derived from the noun.

Synonyms

invasion

incursion

raid

foray

irruption

aggression

attack

👊

encroachment

onrush

infiltration

intrusion

impingement

consumption

maraud

offence

offense

assault

onset

onslaught

penetration

pervasion

push back

charge

rollback

sally

shot

squeeze

strafe

strike

swoop

trespass

assult

infall