incursion

noun

in·​cur·​sion in-ˈkər-zhən 

1

: a hostile entrance into a territory : raid

2

: an entering in or into (something, such as an activity or undertaking)

his only incursion into the arts

Synonyms

• invasion
• raid

Examples of incursion in a Sentence

an incursion into enemy airspace

there were incursions from the border every summer

Recent Examples on the Web

Israel had a right to self-defense against that incursion and the atrocities perpetrated against its citizens. —Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 26 June 2025

To pressure Taiwan, in particular, China conducts influence operations, cyberattacks, and military incursions. —Jennifer Lind, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025

Israel’s failure to defend its borders during Hamas’ Oct. 7 incursion has been followed by impressive military successes. —Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2025

Syrian officials said one person was killed and warned that such incursions stoke regional tensions, while villagers denied having any ties to Hamas. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 13 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin incursion-, incursio, from incurrere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for incursion

• aspersion
• aversion
• conversion
• dispersion
• diversion
• eversion
• excursion
• immersion
• inversion
• perversion
• recursion
• reversion

Kids Definition

incursion

noun

in·​cur·​sion in-ˈkər-zhən 

: a sudden usually temporary invasion : raid