intrude on
The neighbors intrude on your privacy by peeking over the tall wooden garden fence.
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.
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.
- 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.
- "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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Intrude upon: A slightly more formal variant of "intrude on." The meaning is identical.
- I would never wish to intrude upon your personal affairs.
- 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.
The neighbors intrude on your privacy by peeking over the tall wooden garden fence.
- to intrude upon, infringe, encroach on, violate
- This new colleague invades my territory
- The neighbors intrude on your privacy