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

Any attempt to intercept the communication alters the state of the photons, instantly revealing the intrusion. —Pramod Kumar, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024

Glaciers melt because warmer, deep, dense saline water from the ocean is being pushed under them, known as seawater intrusion. —Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2024

Cold fronts, high wind shear, and intrusions of dry air are rarely an issue in the tropical Pacific, where conditions remain steamy year-round in Southeast Asia and island nations like the Philippines. —Dennis Mersereau, WIRED, 5 Sep. 2024

Through a genre-busting mix of archive and drama Ghost witnesses the terrifying threats facing us: a Democratic recession, the rise of neo-fascism, the Climate Disaster and the intrusion of surveillance technology. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2024

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)