intrude

verb

in·​trude in-ˈtrüd How to pronounce intrude (audio)
intruded; intruding
Synonyms of intrudenext

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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The plaintiffs in Wednesday's lawsuit argued the order unconstitutionally intrudes on Congress and the states' power to regulate elections, since the Constitution doesn't give the president any direct authority over how federal elections are conducted. Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026 Where that movie was about one man intruding upon everyone else’s thoughts, however, this one is about everyone else’s thoughts intruding upon one man. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 31 Mar. 2026 But instead of being destroyed like other intruding pathogens, the spores germinate and multiply. Hannah Kinzer, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026 Red-state politicians and tea party activists protested that Common Core intruded on state control of education; the Obama administration’s support for the standards intensified that opposition. Steven Yoder, States Newsroom, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intrude

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin intrudere to thrust in, from in- + trudere to thrust — more at threat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intrude was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intrude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intrude. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

intrude

verb
in·​trude in-ˈtrüd How to pronounce intrude (audio)
intruded; intruding
1
: to bring or force in unasked
2
: to come or go in without invitation
intruder noun

Legal Definition

intrude

verb
in·​trude in-ˈtrüd How to pronounce intrude (audio)
intruded; intruding

intransitive verb

1
: to enter by intrusion
2
: encroach
a search that intrudes on a person's privacy

transitive verb

: to encroach on or upon without permission or right
intruder noun

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