intrude

verb

in·​trude in-ˈtrüd How to pronounce intrude (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The appeal came as Trump, key members of his administration and billionaire ally Elon Musk have been criticizing judges who have blocked major pieces of the president's agenda, in some cases arguing that judges have no power to intrude on the president's authority. Nate Raymond and Jack Queen, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025 Congress established the board after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to investigate security activities that can intrude on individual rights. Charlie Savage, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025 Are there branches that intrude on the walk or block a window? Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025 Then, one early August day in 2023, the material world intruded in the form of an email from my publisher. Justin Nobel, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intrude

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of intrude was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Intrude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intrude. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

intrude

verb
in·​trude in-ˈtrüd How to pronounce intrude (audio)
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 How to pronounce intrude (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on intrude

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