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

He made but one fierce and rapid irruption into the neighborhood of the "red sea," and returned sick and shuddering therefrom.

From Project Gutenberg

Came a great irruption of new social, religious, and political ideas into the general European mind.

From Project Gutenberg

By the retreat of Torstensohn, the Emperor was relieved from all fears of an irruption on the side of Bohemia.

From Project Gutenberg

The irruption of Bennie and Zephyr threatened disaster even to this forlorn hope.

From Project Gutenberg

Tamerlane made his irruption through this plain when he took and destroyed so many cities.

From Project Gutenberg