irruption

[ ih-ruhp-shuhn ]

noun

1. a breaking or bursting in; a violent incursion or invasion.
2. Ecology. a sudden increase in an animal population.

Word History and Origins

Origin of irruption¹

1570–80; < Latin irruptiōn- (stem of irruptiō ), equivalent to irrupt ( us ), past participle of irrumpere to burst into ( ir- ¹, rupture ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

"The principal challenge in the past was eradication by anti-predator campaigns. Today the main challenge is habitat loss, irruption of natural corridors by roads and barriers, and conflict with humans," Marin told Salon.

From Salon

Waxwings are annual visitors from Scandinavia but they sometimes come in more significant numbers - known as an irruption - in search of food.

From BBC

Then, however, the slow irruption of history into Hans and Katharina’s lives gives Erpenbeck the chance to introduce the larger ideas she’s writing for: dissolution, union, the limits of human connection.

From Los Angeles Times

The most vivid accounts of squirrel irruptions date to a time when old growth forests had yet to be logged, when bison roamed the West and flocks of passenger pigeons darkened the skies.

From Washington Post

It was an irruption of politics into an ensemble whose brand has been defined by insulation from all that.

From New York Times