intrude

verb

in·​trude in-ˈtrüd 

intruded; intruding

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

Synonyms of intrude

• 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

Other heavy-handed touches intrude on the film’s sophistication, such as the female protagonist of Jeremy’s novel being like a character trapped in her own existence, unsubtly indicating what Sofia is feeling. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Thinking another male had intruded on his territory, the bird quickly descended. — Stephanie Szarmach, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2026

Once again, the past intrudes, loyalty is divided, and irreverent one-liners are delivered. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026

Viewed through glasses with electronic shutters that expose each eye to its respective image, the final picture optically intrudes into actual space. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for intrude

• accrued
• allude
• collude
• conclude
• construed
• debuted
• delude
• elude
• endued
• ensued
• eschewed
• etude

Kids 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

Legal Definition

intrude

verb

in·​trude in-ˈtrüd 

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