intrude

verb

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

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

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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.
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 Privacy concerns Critics argue the technology intrudes on civil rights and fear that the federal government — immigration officials in particular — could muscle in on local surveillance systems despite laws and policies barring access. — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2026 The coalition argues in its complaint that the rule exceeds USPS’ statutory authority, violates the Voting Rights Act and intrudes on states’ constitutional power to administer elections. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Massachusetts, argues that the rule exceeds executive authority, conflicts with federal law, and intrudes on states’ constitutional power to administer elections. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 26 Aug. 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

Rhymes for intrude

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Browse Nearby Words

introvertive
intrude
intruder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intrude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intrude. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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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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