irruption

American  

[ih-ruhp-shuhn] / ɪˈrʌp ʃən /

noun

1. a breaking or bursting in; a violent incursion or invasion.

2. Ecology. a sudden increase in an animal population.

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Etymology

Origin of irruption

1570–80; < Latin irruptiōn- (stem of irruptiō ), equivalent to irrupt ( us ), past participle of irrumpere to burst into ( ir- ¹, rupture ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

This irruption prompted the British and Dutch governments to withdraw $2.2 billion they had committed to the project.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

"The principal challenge in the past was eradication by anti-predator campaigns. Today the main challenge is habitat loss, irruption of natural corridors by roads and barriers, and conflict with humans," Marin told Salon.

From Salon • May 31, 2024

Waxwings are annual visitors from Scandinavia but they sometimes come in more significant numbers - known as an irruption - in search of food.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2023

Then, however, the slow irruption of history into Hans and Katharina’s lives gives Erpenbeck the chance to introduce the larger ideas she’s writing for: dissolution, union, the limits of human connection.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2023

Her cheeks were ruddy and chapped in a way that presaged irruption.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson