intruded; intruding
1
: to thrust oneself in without invitation, permission, or welcome
2
: to enter as a geologic intrusion
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
In the run-up to its publication, Pollan spoke with Rolling Stone about the problem of consciousness and its links to psychedelics, his skepticism toward artificial intelligence, and the need to protect our headspace from the companies and politicians who aim to intrude upon it.
—
Nick Hilden, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2026
Lawnmower parents may insert themselves into their child’s friendships and relationships with others and intrude on social issues without allowing the child to resolve problems independently.
—Jazmin Towe, Parents, 22 Feb. 2026
The war intruded even before the curtain rose on Thursday.
—ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026
This vireo actually is singing its song to woo a mate or deter another potential romantic partner from intruding on its territory.
—Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intrude
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Nick Hilden, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2026
Lawnmower parents may insert themselves into their child’s friendships and relationships with others and intrude on social issues without allowing the child to resolve problems independently.
—Jazmin Towe, Parents, 22 Feb. 2026
The war intruded even before the curtain rose on Thursday.
—ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026
This vireo actually is singing its song to woo a mate or deter another potential romantic partner from intruding on its territory.
—Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intrude
Cite this Entry
“Intrude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intrude. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intrude
verb
in·trude
in-ˈtrüd 
intruded; intruding
1
: to bring or force in unasked
2
: to come or go in without invitation
intruder
noun
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