intrude

verb

in·​trude in-ˈtrüd How to pronounce intrude (audio)
intruded; intruding

intransitive verb

1
: to thrust oneself in without invitation, permission, or welcome
2
: to enter as a geologic intrusion

transitive verb

1
: to thrust or force in or upon someone or something especially without permission, welcome, or fitness
intruded himself into their lives
2
: to cause to enter as if by force
intruder noun

Examples of intrude in a Sentence

Excuse me, sir. I don't mean to intrude, but you have a phone call. Would I be intruding if I came along with you? The plane intruded into their airspace. Reporters constantly intruded into the couple's private life. He didn't want to intrude upon their conversation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With expectations lower for the folksy Minnesota governor, Walz would have immediately been in a position to have an easier ride tonight – if current events and his own rehearsed inhibitions hadn’t intruded. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2024 Nissan is the latest automaker to add an intruding camper van to its lineup. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2024 But the absence of their third family member, Roki’s mother and Jax’s sister, Tawi, sparks a schism between the two and invites the attention of a number of intruding parties. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 2 July 2024 Watch No Exit on Hulu 22 of 30 No One Will Save You Brynn (Kaitlyn Dever) is satisfied with living a solitary life in her childhood home, until her residence is intruded by wrathful extraterrestrials. Lia Beck, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intrude 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin intrudere to thrust in, from in- + trudere to thrust — more at threat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intrude was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near intrude

Cite this Entry

“Intrude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intrude. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

intrude

verb
in·​trude in-ˈtrüd How to pronounce intrude (audio)
intruded; intruding
1
: to bring or force in unasked
2
: to come or go in without invitation
intruder noun

Legal Definition

intrude

verb
in·​trude in-ˈtrüd How to pronounce intrude (audio)
intruded; intruding

intransitive verb

1
: to enter by intrusion
2
: encroach
a search that intrudes on a person's privacy

transitive verb

: to encroach on or upon without permission or right
intruder noun

More from Merriam-Webster on intrude

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