invasive

1 of 2

adjective

in·​va·​sive in-ˈvā-siv 

-ziv

1

: tending to spread especially in a quick or aggressive manner: such as

a

of a non-native organism : growing and dispersing easily usually to the detriment of native species and ecosystems

As the sheep graze, they not only eat the grass but also defoliate invasive plants …

—Ann Price

It will be the second Australian insect released to thwart melaleuca, one of many exponentially spreading invasive plants that out-compete native Florida species, monopolizing wetlands and natural areas.

—Neil Santaniello

Scientists say more than 150 invasive species have entered the Great Lakes, multiplying rapidly and feeding on native species or outcompeting with them for food.

—Sophia Taren

b(1)

of cancer cells : tending to infiltrate surrounding healthy tissue

… this procedure preserves the architecture of the tissue sample, which is vital for determining whether tumor cells are invasive.

—Andrew A. Skolnick

(2)

of a pathogenic microorganism or disease : disseminating from a localized area throughout the body

sepsis association with invasive bacteria

invasive streptococcal infection

2

: involving entry into the living body (as by incision or by insertion of an instrument)

invasive diagnostic techniques

3

: of, relating to, or characterized by military aggression

4

: tending to infringe

invasiveness noun

invasiveness

2 of 2

noun

in·​va·​sive·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being invasive

specifically : the tendency of a pathogenic organism to penetrate into and grow within the host away from the original site of inoculation

invasiveness is a major factor in virulence

Examples of invasive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Local organizations aim to preserve the lake’s pristine condition through monitoring, boat-washing stations, and other initiatives that minimize the impact of waste and control the spread of invasive species. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026

That can include removing fencing or updating fencing; securing land easements; replacing invasive grasses with native species; and improving forest health. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 2 June 2026

Also, for boat owners, most lakes require inspections for invasive zebra mussels. —R. Scott Rappold, Denver Post, 1 June 2026

The market for ‘proof of human’ is growing As strange and invasive as this piece of hardware is, the Orb seeks to resolve a genuine problem facing businesses, not one of speculative fiction. —Sam Birchall, Fortune, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

earlier, "attacking, offensive," going back to Middle English invasif "offensive (of weapons)," borrowed from Middle French and Medieval Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Medieval Latin invāsīvus, from Latin invāsus, past participle of invādere "to enter with hostile intent, assault, attack" + -īvus -ive — more at invade

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for invasive

• abrasive
• persuasive
• pervasive
• noninvasive
• unpersuasive

Kids Definition

invasive

adjective

in·​va·​sive in-ˈvā-siv 

-ziv

: tending to spread

especially : tending to invade healthy tissue

invasive cancer cells

Medical Definition

invasive

adjective

in·​va·​sive -siv, -ziv 

1

: tending to spread

especially : tending to invade healthy tissue

invasive cancer cells

2

: involving entry into the living body (as by incision or by insertion of an instrument)

invasive diagnostic techniques

invasiveness noun