intrude

verb

in·​trude in-ˈtrüd 

intruded; intruding

intransitive verb

1

: to thrust oneself in without invitation, permission, or welcome

2

: to enter as a geologic intrusion

transitive verb

1

: to thrust or force in or upon someone or something especially without permission, welcome, or fitness

intruded himself into their lives

2

: to cause to enter as if by force

intruder noun

Synonyms

• break in
• chime in
• chip in [chiefly British]
• cut in
• interpose
• interrupt

Examples of intrude in a Sentence

Excuse me, sir. I don't mean to intrude, but you have a phone call.

Would I be intruding if I came along with you?

The plane intruded into their airspace.

Reporters constantly intruded into the couple's private life.

He didn't want to intrude upon their conversation.

Recent Examples on the Web

With expectations lower for the folksy Minnesota governor, Walz would have immediately been in a position to have an easier ride tonight – if current events and his own rehearsed inhibitions hadn’t intruded. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2024

Nissan is the latest automaker to add an intruding camper van to its lineup. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2024

But the absence of their third family member, Roki’s mother and Jax’s sister, Tawi, sparks a schism between the two and invites the attention of a number of intruding parties. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 2 July 2024

Watch No Exit on Hulu 22 of 30 No One Will Save You Brynn (Kaitlyn Dever) is satisfied with living a solitary life in her childhood home, until her residence is intruded by wrathful extraterrestrials. —Lia Beck, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin intrudere to thrust in, from in- + trudere to thrust — more at threat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Kids Definition

intrude

verb

in·​trude in-ˈtrüd 

intruded; intruding

1

: to bring or force in unasked

2

: to come or go in without invitation

intruder noun

Legal Definition

intrude

verb

in·​trude in-ˈtrüd 

intruded; intruding

intransitive verb

1

: to enter by intrusion

2

: encroach

a search that intrudes on a person's privacy

transitive verb

: to encroach on or upon without permission or right

intruder noun