intrude
Americanverb (used with object)
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to thrust or bring in without invitation, permission, or welcome.
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Geology. to thrust or force into.
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to install (a cleric) in a church contrary to the wishes of its members.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to put forward or interpose (oneself, one's views, something) abruptly or without invitation
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geology to force or thrust (rock material, esp molten magma) or (of rock material) to be thrust between solid rocks
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.
Vocabulary lists containing intrude
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
These thoughts even intrude on him when he’s reading for fun—or trying to.
From Slate • Jul. 23, 2025
It only three minutes for reality to intrude.
From BBC • Mar. 15, 2025
But this time he’s there strictly as a visitor, he won’t intrude on the radio microphone that will be manned by Monday and Stephen Nelson during the Series.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 24, 2024
“I am sorry to intrude on you. I will retire.”
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
