Definitions
from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.
- intransitive verb To put or force in inappropriately, especially without invitation, fitness, or permission.
- intransitive verb Geology To thrust (molten rock) into preexisting rock.
- intransitive verb To come in rudely or inappropriately; enter as an improper or unwanted element.
from The Century Dictionary.
- To thrust in; bring in forcibly.
- To thrust or bring in without necessity or right; bring forward unwarrantably or inappropriately: often used reflexively.
- To push or crowd in; thrust into some unusual, improper, or abnormal place or position: as, intruded rocks or dikes in a geological formation.
- To enter forcibly; invade.
- To come or appear as if thrust in; enter without necessity or warrant; especially, to come in unbidden and unwelcomely: as, to
intrude upon a private circle; to intrude where one is not wanted. - Synonyms Encroach upon, Infringe upon, etc. See trespass, v. i. Intrude, Obtrude. The essential difference between these words lies in the prepositions: intrude, to thrust one's self into places, invading privacy or private rights; obtrude, to thrust one's self out beyond modesty or the limits proper to ourselves, and offensively against the attention, etc., of others.
from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.
- intransitive verb To thrust one's self in; to come or go in without invitation, permission, or welcome; to encroach; to trespass
- transitive verb To thrust or force (something) in or upon; especially, to force (one's self) in without leave or welcome
- transitive verb obsolete To enter by force; to invade.
- transitive verb (Geol.) The cause to enter or force a way, as into the crevices of rocks.
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- verb to
enter withoutpermission
from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
- verb search or inquire in a meddlesome way
- verb enter uninvited
- verb enter unlawfully on someone's property
- verb thrust oneself in as if by force
Etymologies
from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
Support
Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word intrude.
Examples
-
Sorry to intrude from the other side of the world.
In The Aftermath 2004
-
Do not think, dear Mr.. Martin, that you or Mr. Martin can ever 'intrude' -- you know you use that word in your letter.
-
Justin Bieber 's name intrude on your Twitter stream ever again.
Mashable! Amy-Mae Elliott 2010
-
I think there is a degree of trust that anyone must have with you when you 'intrude' into their life with a lens.
Anne B. Kelly: Smolder and Shoot: Photographer Tasya Van Ree Anne B. Kelly 2010
-
Number two, you had the Georgia situation intrude which is perfect for McCain.
-
But isn't it maddening to see, only days later, the first stubborn weeds "intrude" on the order you created?
-
I spent many years building up walls, creating my own very private life, getting upset at anyone who tried to 'intrude' on my world and only letting a few chosen people in only those who wouldn't disrupt my routine or interfere with my privacy.
Botswana 2008: Here Comes the Sun Jennifer Marie Jordan 2008
-
I spent many years building up walls, creating my own very private life, getting upset at anyone who tried to 'intrude' on my world and only letting a few chosen people in only those who wouldn't disrupt my routine or interfere with my privacy.
Archive 2008-12-01 Jennifer Marie Jordan 2008
-
I don't really know why we Americans always say "intrude" instead of "obtrude," but I note that although both words contain the word "rude," "obtrude" sounds more rude.
Archive 2007-08-01 Ann Althouse 2007
-
Then those who "intrude" (thrust, that is) themselves into the fold, who by natural insolence of heart, and stout eloquence of tongue, and fearlessly perseverant self-assertion, obtain hearing and authority with the common crowd.
Harvard Classics Volume 28 Essays English and American Various
Comments
Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.