intrusive

[in-troo-siv]

adjective

1. tending or apt to intrude; coming without invitation or welcome.

   intrusive memories of a lost love.

   Synonyms: disturbing, irritating, troublesome, worrisome, irksome, bothersome, annoying

2. characterized by or involving intrusion.

3. intruding; thrusting in.

4. Geology.

   1. (of a rock) having been forced between preexisting rocks or rock layers while in a molten or plastic condition.

   2. noting or pertaining to plutonic rocks.

5. Phonetics.,  excrescent.

intrusive

/ ɪnˈtruːsɪv /

adjective

1. characterized by intrusion or tending to intrude

2. (of igneous rocks) formed by intrusion Compare extrusive

3. phonetics relating to or denoting a speech sound that is introduced into a word or piece of connected speech for a phonetic rather than a historical or grammatical reason, such as the (r) often pronounced between idea and of in the idea of it

Other Word Forms

• intrusively adverb
• intrusiveness noun
• nonintrusive adjective
• nonintrusively adverb
• unintrusive adjective
• unintrusively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of intrusive¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; intrusion, -ive

Example Sentences

Civil liberties groups argue that even a limited digital ID could pave the way for a more intrusive system, raising concerns about privacy, data security and government overreach.

From BBC

The latter segment was in breach of guidance that prohibits "unduly intimidating, humiliating, intrusive, aggressive or derogatory remarks aimed at real people", the ruling said.

From BBC

With the help of some "very intrusive" therapy, she began to make a recovery – but it was hard work.

From BBC

But while the name is funny, the practice is almost always gross and intrusive to a truly unsettling degree.

From Salon

She knew better than to give in to such intrusive thoughts.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• invasive 
• nosy