incursion

noun

in·​cur·​sion in-ˈkər-zhən 

1

: a hostile entrance into a territory : raid

2

: an entering in or into (something, such as an activity or undertaking)

his only incursion into the arts

Synonyms

• descent
• foray
• inroad
• invasion
• irruption
• raid

Examples of incursion in a Sentence

an incursion into enemy airspace

there were incursions from the border every summer

Recent Examples on the Web

The risk of runway incursions demands immediate attention and systematic intervention. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

Fashion’s incursion into the running world comes as the sport’s popularity is surging. —Lei Takanashi, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025

Musk’s incursions into other agencies have reportedly risked exposing sensitive information to unqualified personnel, and obstructing people’s access to lifesaving medicine. —Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2025

At the beginning of May, Moscow opened a new front, staging lightning incursions north of Kharkiv, marching troops into lightly defended Ukrainian villages and firing from just inside the Russian border. —Erin Banco, Anastasiia Malenko, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin incursion-, incursio, from incurrere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

incursion

noun

in·​cur·​sion in-ˈkər-zhən 

: a sudden usually temporary invasion : raid