irruptive

[ ih-ruhp-tiv ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by irruption.
2. irrupting or tending to irrupt.
3. Petrology. intrusive.

Other Words From

• ir·ruptive·ly adverb
• unir·ruptive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of irruptive¹

First recorded in 1585–95; irrupt + -ive

Example Sentences

One was an irruptive craving within him to take some part in the dynamic activities of the surrounding world.

From Project Gutenberg

They seem to be a necessary evil to be classed with smallpox, chicken-pox, yellow fever and other irruptive diseases.

From Project Gutenberg

In the meantime, concern and suspense and irruptive wrath had their chief abode in the inner room of Remington and Evans.

From Project Gutenberg

Fact is, gallant little Wales was swamped by irruptive Ireland.

From Project Gutenberg

In their absence religion would most probably have failed to be the fiercely irruptive force in life that it has been.

From Project Gutenberg