incursion

noun

in·​cur·​sion in-ˈkər-zhən 

1

: a hostile entrance into a territory : raid

2

: an entering in or into (something, such as an activity or undertaking)

his only incursion into the arts

Synonyms

• descent
• foray
• inroad
• invasion
• irruption
• raid

Examples of incursion in a Sentence

an incursion into enemy airspace

there were incursions from the border every summer

Recent Examples on the Web

While the deal lacks an explicit promise the U.S. will protect Ukraine from more Russian incursions, giving the U.S. a financial stake in the country’s future may be the next best thing. —Brian Bennett, Time, 1 May 2025

According to the report, these Chinese naval incursions took place in both the PMZ and the waters that are considered within the South Korean sole EEZ. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025

During one incursion, Ayyub hid in a house and peered out as a crowd of some sixty men jostled outside. —Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025

If a deal is reached, sanctions would be imposed for any violation of the agreement or subsequent incursions into Ukraine. —David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin incursion-, incursio, from incurrere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for incursion

• aspersion
• aversion
• conversion
• dispersion
• diversion
• eversion
• excursion
• immersion
• inversion
• perversion
• recursion
• reversion

Kids Definition

incursion

noun

in·​cur·​sion in-ˈkər-zhən 

: a sudden usually temporary invasion : raid