Definition

1. Verb:
   • To enter a private party, event, or gathering without an invitation or permission: This is the primary meaning of "gate-crash." It implies gaining entry to a social function where one is not a welcome or expected guest, often by sneaking in or bypassing formal entry procedures.
   • To attend an event without paying or without proper authorization: This sense extends to entering any ticketed or restricted event without the required credentials.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • We didn't have tickets, so we tried to gate-crash the concert.
  • He managed to gate-crash the exclusive gala by blending in with the crowd.
  • It's rude to gate-crash a wedding reception.

Advanced Usage

• "to gate-crash a meeting": to attend a private or closed meeting without authorization.

  • The journalist attempted to gate-crash the confidential board meeting.

• "to gate-crash someone's party": a common collocation emphasizing the uninvited intrusion into a personal celebration.

  • I heard a group of strangers tried to gate-crash Sarah's birthday party.

Variants and Related Words

• Gate-crasher (noun): a person who gate-crashes.

  • Security was increased to keep out gate-crashers.

• Crash (verb): In informal contexts, "crash" alone can mean the same as "gate-crash" (e.g., to crash a party). "Gate-crash" is more specific.

Synonyms

• Intrude: to come in without permission or welcome.
• Infiltrate: to enter secretly or gain access surreptitiously.
• Barge in: to enter abruptly and without ceremony.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Crash (a party/event): the more common, shortened phrasal verb with the same meaning as "gate-crash."
  • They decided to crash the premiere after-party.

Verb

1. enter uninvited; informal
   • let's crash the party!