intrude

[ in-trood ]

verb (used with object)

, in·trud·ed, in·trud·ing.

1. to thrust or bring in without invitation, permission, or welcome.
2. Geology. to thrust or force into.
3. to install (a cleric) in a church contrary to the wishes of its members.

verb (used without object)

, in·trud·ed, in·trud·ing.

1. to thrust oneself without permission or welcome:

   to intrude upon their privacy.

   Synonyms: interlope, interfere

intrude

/ ɪnˈtruːd /

verb

1. often foll byinto, on, or upon to put forward or interpose (oneself, one's views, something) abruptly or without invitation
2. geology to force or thrust (rock material, esp molten magma) or (of rock material) to be thrust between solid rocks

Derived Forms

• inˈtrudingly, adverb

Other Words From

• in·truder noun
• in·truding·ly adverb
• self-in·truder noun
• unin·truded adjective
• unin·truding adjective
• unin·truding·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of intrude¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin intrūdere “to push in,” equivalent to in- in- ² + trūdere “to push”

Word History and Origins

Origin of intrude¹

C16: from Latin intrūdere to thrust in, from in- ² + trūdere to thrust

Synonym Study

See trespass.

Example Sentences

Right now, Wexler says, it’s too early to worry about brain tech intruding on our privacy.

From Science News For Students

She added that it also intruded on the powers of state lawmakers and the governor’s office by allowing a state agency to administer recreational marijuana.

From Washington Post

Hammers or scalpels lack the power to intrude on your thought process several times every minute.

From Quartz

Gujral plans to be more transparent with invitations she can’t accept, telling friends or acquaintances that an event would intrude on family time.

From Washington Post

Still, “Singaporeans do care about the extent to which the state intrudes into their private lives,” says Lee.

From MIT Technology Review

Christmas is a season of marvelous and mystical experiences, and maybe it seems churlish to let science and history intrude.

From The Daily Beast

Directors have to make sure it doesn't intrude on the storytelling.

From The Daily Beast

Of course they would stop for the wedding; but meantime she must be very discreet; she must not intrude too much.

From Project Gutenberg

You are determined to intrude upon this man in your present frame of mind at a time of evident trouble?

From Project Gutenberg

Will you forgive me if I so far intrude myself upon your private affairs as to give you a few words of advice?

From Project Gutenberg

She tried her best to forget it, but the ungracious thought would again and again intrude.

From Project Gutenberg

They were quite right to capture us, because we had no business to intrude here, having been warned to keep away from Loonville.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• encroach
• infringe
• interfere
• invade
• meddle