intrude

verb

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in·trude | \ in-ˈtrüd

intruded; intruding

Definition of intrude

intransitive verb

1 : to thrust oneself in without invitation, permission, or welcome

2 : to enter as a geologic intrusion

transitive verb

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

Other Words from intrude Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about intrude

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Synonyms for intrude

Synonyms

break in,
chime in,
chip in
[chiefly British],
cut in,
interpose,
interrupt

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 Shallow ledges on another wall barely intrude into a pathway through the room but still showcase artwork in easy-to-rotate fashion. — Sarah Halverson, Better Homes & Gardens, "This Small Condo Trades Square Footage for a Spacious Backyard and Proximity to the Coast," 4 May 2021 In Mark’s more difficult images, harsh realities intrude on girlhood. — Washington Post, "Photographer Mary Ellen Mark captured the contradictions of modern girlhood," 21 Apr. 2021 And yet those memories can’t be allowed to intrude on our perception of the present, or to be randomly rewritten by new experiences. — Quanta Magazine, "The Brain ‘Rotates’ Memories to Save Them From New Sensations," 15 Apr. 2021 But the Justices, especially Coney Barrett, ask a lot of questions about why the government should be able to intrude on private property all without some sort of compelling justification, this would signal a much harder veer to the right. — Evan Gerstmann, Forbes, "On Monday The Supreme Court May Reveal Just How Conservative It Really Is," 21 Mar. 2021 Opponents, however, said the complex would destroy the peace of a popular walking, jogging and skiing destination and intrude on a thriving ecosystem. — Jesse Leavenworth, courant.com, "South Windsor voters reject proposed sports complex and relocation of town hall at referendum," 16 Mar. 2021 Even when data is shared freely, geopolitics can intrude on the science, says Ruth Gamble, a lecturer at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia. — Lou Del Bello, Wired, "Border Disputes Threaten Climate Science in the Himalayas," 27 Feb. 2021 For a university to intrude struck others as alarming. — New York Times, "Obscure Musicology Journal Sparks Battles Over Race and Free Speech," 14 Feb. 2021 But with all the food and beverage service outdoors, and everyone staying well away from staffers or anyone not in their party, there was so much room to move around in relative sunny isolation that fear did not intrude. — Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, "Quick escape to Montego Bay offers Jamaican sunshine and a feeling of safety from COVID-19," 3 Mar. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intrude.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.