intrusion

noun

in·​tru·​sion in-ˈtrü-zhən 

1

: the act of intruding or the state of being intruded

especially : the act of wrongfully entering upon, seizing, or taking possession of the property of another

2

: the forcible entry of molten rock or magma into or between other rock formations

also : the intruded magma

Examples of intrusion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, stepped back as senior royals and moved to California, citing the unbearable intrusions of the British press and a lack of support from the palace. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025

Access to sensitive data and onward lateral movement to other cloud services beyond the original intrusion for the UNC67040 hackers. —Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025

In its early days, it was reviled by some critics as a jarring intrusion on the genteel Georgian symmetry of the square. —Mark Landler, New York Times, 7 June 2025

News organizations must be free to make their own editorial decisions without fear of government intrusion. —Sonam Sheth hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin intrusion-, intrusio, from Latin intrudere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing intrusion

• anti-intrusion

Rhymes for intrusion

• allusion
• collusion
• conclusion
• confusion
• contusion
• delusion
• diffusion
• effusion
• exclusion
• extrusion
• illusion
• inclusion

Kids Definition

intrusion

noun

in·​tru·​sion in-ˈtrü-zhən 

1

: the act of intruding : the state of being intruded

2

: the entry by force of melted rock into or between other rock formations

Legal Definition

intrusion

noun

in·​tru·​sion in-ˈtrü-zhən 

1

a

: the entry at common law of a stranger after a particular estate of freehold is determined before the person who holds it in remainder or reversion has taken possession

b

: the act of wrongfully entering upon, seizing, or taking possession of the property of another

2

: a trespassing on or encroachment upon something (as a right)

the Fourth Amendment demands that the showing of justification match the degree of intrusion

—Berger v. New York, 388 U.S. 41 (1968)