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

Outsiders often intrude on national parks to mine or hunt due to scarce job opportunities. —Jalynn Hilton, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2024

The talk is interrupted when uniformed men intrude and unexpectedly arrest Lambert for murder. —Joan Gaylord, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 July 2024

Reality intrudes in some unexpected ways at the movies this week — including using Legos. —Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 9 Oct. 2024

Taking the Pulse of the Crust The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) has been using how much the ground deforms between eruptions to examine what is the threshold of magma intruding the crust before a new eruption starts. —Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 30 Sep. 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