intrusion

noun

in·​tru·​sion in-ˈtrü-zhən 

1

: the act of intruding or the state of being intruded

especially : the act of wrongfully entering upon, seizing, or taking possession of the property of another

2

: the forcible entry of molten rock or magma into or between other rock formations

also : the intruded magma

Examples of intrusion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Then in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals, citing unbearable media intrusions and a lack of support from the palace. —Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 30 Jan. 2025

The remodeling work is also alleged to have resulted in water intrusion that has damaged the unit below their residence, and the Feits have refused to take responsibility for the damage. —Christyne D. Santisteban, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025

Critics say that the law, the Corporate Transparency Act of 2021, is needlessly burdensome, a threat to privacy and an unconstitutional federal intrusion on matters that have been historically regulated by states. —Adam Liptak, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025

Another is through a physical intrusion of each facility simultaneously. —Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin intrusion-, intrusio, from Latin intrudere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing intrusion

• anti-intrusion

Kids Definition

intrusion

noun

in·​tru·​sion in-ˈtrü-zhən 

1

: the act of intruding : the state of being intruded

2

: the entry by force of melted rock into or between other rock formations

Legal Definition

intrusion

noun

in·​tru·​sion in-ˈtrü-zhən 

1

a

: the entry at common law of a stranger after a particular estate of freehold is determined before the person who holds it in remainder or reversion has taken possession

b

: the act of wrongfully entering upon, seizing, or taking possession of the property of another

2

: a trespassing on or encroachment upon something (as a right)

the Fourth Amendment demands that the showing of justification match the degree of intrusion

—Berger v. New York, 388 U.S. 41 (1968)