intrude

American  

[in-trood] / ɪnˈtrud /

verb (used with object)

intruded, intruding

1. to thrust or bring in without invitation, permission, or welcome.

2. Geology. to thrust or force into.

3. to install (a cleric) in a church contrary to the wishes of its members.

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verb (used without object)

intruded, intruding

1. to thrust oneself without permission or welcome.

   to intrude upon their privacy.

   Synonyms:

   interlope, interfere

intrude British  

/ ɪnˈtruːd /

verb

1. to put forward or interpose (oneself, one's views, something) abruptly or without invitation

2. geology to force or thrust (rock material, esp molten magma) or (of rock material) to be thrust between solid rocks

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Related Words

See trespass.

Other Word Forms

• intruder
  noun
• intrudingly
  adverb
• self-intruder
  noun
• unintruded
  adjective
• unintruding
  adjective
• unintrudingly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of intrude

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin intrūdere “to push in,” equivalent to in- in- ² + trūdere “to push”

Explanation

When someone says, “I hate to intrude, but…” you can bet she is in fact going to interrupt your conversation or insert her opinion, even though it isn’t wanted. House burglars also intrude, but they don’t usually announce it first. People can intrude in different ways, but it is usually uninvited and also unwelcome. This verb is derived from the Latin, intrudere, in which the in- means “into” and -trudere means, “to thrust.” So people can in intrude by thrusting or forcing themselves into your private life, your personal body space, or your home. Loud music could intrude into your studying. A memory could intrude while you are trying to focus on texting a message.

Example Sentences

"The court does not intrude on parliament by ensuring parliament can sit," the judgement said.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

In the past, the court has said the 4th Amendment protects against government searches that intrude upon a “reasonable expectation of privacy.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

"It's fine. If they want to keep doing it, they are all polite and don't intrude on our personal space. We have a job to do, they have a job to do."

From BBC • Dec. 2, 2025

Woodward decision established clear limits on state power to intrude on private corporations, strengthening corporate rights and autonomy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 27, 2025

I wouldn’t want to intrude, not for all the money in the world.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

Related Words

• encroach
• infringe
• interfere
• invade
• meddle