intrude

verb

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

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

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.
Vance noted that its not unusual for politics to intrude on the Olympics, but said the athletes should try to unite the country. Zac Anderson, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026 Elon Musk has a habit of announcing the future in sweeping metaphors, then quietly changing course when reality intrudes. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026 These types of claims are generally where a neighbor is intruding onto your property and causing damage without any consent to do so. Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 7 Feb. 2026 The group also talks about how the event unfolded even as the real world intruded on the festival bubble, in the form of both news about Minnesota and a violent incident at Sundance itself. Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 29 Jan. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intrude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intrude. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on intrude

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