noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
encroachment; gradual invasion; making inroads
Describes a slow, steady, piecemeal encroachment, like a silkworm eating a leaf. Often used in political, economic, or territorial contexts. Can be used as a noun or with する as a transitive verb.
外国企業が国内市場を蚕食している。
Foreign companies are gradually encroaching on the domestic market.
The neighboring country's gradual territorial encroachment continues.