intrusion

noun

in·​tru·​sion in-ˈtrü-zhən 

1

: the act of intruding or the state of being intruded

especially : the act of wrongfully entering upon, seizing, or taking possession of the property of another

2

: the forcible entry of molten rock or magma into or between other rock formations

also : the intruded magma

Examples of intrusion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The report also criticized Microsoft for publishing inaccurate information about the possible causes of the latest Chinese intrusion. —Eric Geller, WIRED, 15 Apr. 2024

The species faces threats from disruptions to its natural habitat in Malaysia through agriculture, development and human intrusion. —USA TODAY, 30 Mar. 2024

Their fins tend to curve back toward the tail and intrusions of black sometimes extend into their saddle patches. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2024

One attack in particular became a symbol of that intractable violence and its intrusion on everyday life — a burst of gunfire inside the then-bustling O Street Market almost exactly three decades ago, March 31, 1994, that killed one and injured at least eight. —Emily Davies, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024

Many audience members believed the intrusion was part of the production. —Chloe Veltman, NPR, 5 Apr. 2024

The Fourth Amendment is one of the most basic rights people in the United States enjoy, providing a bulwark against government intrusion. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2024

Implementing Robust Security Measures: Firewalls, intrusion detection systems and data encryption are the building blocks of a strong defense. —Chris Schueler, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

The intrusion of smartphones and social media are not the only changes that have deformed childhood. —Jonathan Haidt, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin intrusion-, intrusio, from Latin intrudere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing intrusion

• anti-intrusion

Kids Definition

intrusion

noun

in·​tru·​sion in-ˈtrü-zhən 

1

: the act of intruding : the state of being intruded

2

: the entry by force of melted rock into or between other rock formations

Legal Definition

intrusion

noun

in·​tru·​sion in-ˈtrü-zhən 

1

a

: the entry at common law of a stranger after a particular estate of freehold is determined before the person who holds it in remainder or reversion has taken possession

b

: the act of wrongfully entering upon, seizing, or taking possession of the property of another

2

: a trespassing on or encroachment upon something (as a right)

the Fourth Amendment demands that the showing of justification match the degree of intrusion

—Berger v. New York, 388 U.S. 41 (1968)