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 of incursion

• 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

Threats to escort missions can be reduced through air power or ground incursions to seize territory from where they might be launched, but that presents new problems, including many casualties among US ground troops, the analysts said. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 16 Mar. 2026

Israel announced Monday the beginning of a ground incursion in southern Lebanon, warning that hundreds of thousands of residents from towns and villages in the large area south of the Litani river would not be permitted to return to their homes until the Israeli military achieved its objectives. —CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026

Meanwhile, there’s a war on (Timothée Chalamet versus the esoteric performing arts) and the United States has made yet another military incursion into the Middle East. —Vulture Editors, Vulture, 15 Mar. 2026

In Mexico, reactions from organized crime following the killing of a major cartel leader, and abroad, a military incursion in Iran, have forced FIFA to divide its attention across multiple fronts. —Abraham Nudelstejer, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026

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