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

American intelligence agencies now assess that Vladimir Putin may try to directly test NATO within a few years, with scenarios ranging from cyberattacks to a limited land incursion. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2026

The incursions became serious enough that Langley canceled nighttime training flights and moved its F-22 jets to another air base. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Aug. 2026

Drone incursions have become especially more frequent in Northern and Eastern Europe, given their closer proximity to Russia and the ongoing war in Ukraine. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026

Reuters reported that Pyongyang has supplied millions of artillery shells and previously sent 14,000 troops to Russia's Kursk region to counter Ukraine's 2024 cross-border incursion. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 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