Definition

Verb: - To enter or interfere with something in an unwanted or unwelcome manner, often without permission or invitation. It implies imposing oneself or one's presence on a situation, space, or person's affairs, typically causing disruption or violating boundaries.

Usage

The verb "intrude on" is used to describe the action of forcing an unwanted presence or interference onto someone or something. It often carries a negative connotation of disrespect for privacy, personal space, or established limits. - It is commonly followed by a noun or noun phrase indicating what is being violated (e.g., privacy, time, conversation, property). - It describes an action that is perceived as an imposition by the affected party.

Examples

• Basic Usage:
  • I'm sorry to intrude on your meeting, but there's an urgent call for you.
  • Please knock before entering; I don't want anyone to intrude on my personal space.
  • The loud construction noise intrudes on the peace of the entire neighborhood.

Advanced Usage

• "intrude on/upon someone's privacy": This is a very common collocation emphasizing the violation of personal seclusion.
  • Journalists should be careful not to intrude on the privacy of grieving families.
• "intrude on/upon someone's thoughts/time": Used when interrupting a person's mental focus or schedule.
  • A sudden memory intruded on her concentration while she was studying.

Variants and Related Words

• Intrude (verb): The base form, often used without "on" when the object is implied or stated differently.
  • He apologized for intruding.
• Intruder (noun): A person who intrudes, especially someone who enters a place illegally.
  • The security system detected an intruder.
• Intrusion (noun): The act or an instance of intruding.
  • The constant phone calls felt like an intrusion.

Synonyms

• Encroach on: To advance gradually beyond usual or acceptable limits, often on rights or territory.
• Infringe on: To actively violate a rule, law, or right.
• Trespass on: To enter someone's land or property without permission; can be used figuratively.
• Butt in on: (Informal) To interrupt a conversation or activity rudely.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Intrude upon: A slightly more formal variant of "intrude on." The meaning is identical.
  • I would never wish to intrude upon your personal affairs.

Related Idioms

• To overstep the mark/boundary: To behave in a way that is not acceptable or that goes beyond what is allowed. This is conceptually similar to intruding.
  • By reading her diary, he really overstepped the mark.

Verb

1. to intrude upon, infringe, encroach on, violate
   • This new colleague invades my territory
   • The neighbors intrude on your privacy