Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To force something (like an idea, opinion, or presence) upon someone or into a situation in an unwelcome or inappropriate way.
   • (Geology) To force (molten rock) into or between existing rock formations.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To enter a place, situation, or conversation without invitation, permission, or welcome.
   • To encroach or infringe upon something, such as privacy, time, or rights.

Usage and Examples

• Transitive Verb (to force something upon):

  • He didn't want to intrude his political views on the casual gathering.
  • The company was accused of intruding advertisements into the users' private messages.

• Intransitive Verb (to enter without welcome):

  • I'm sorry to intrude, but you have a phone call.
  • Reporters intruded into the hospital room, seeking a statement from the actor.
  • Please knock; I don't want anyone to intrude on my meeting.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Intrude on/upon": This is the most common prepositional phrase, used to specify what is being encroached upon (e.g., privacy, silence, time, property).

  • The loud construction noise intruded upon the peaceful afternoon.
  • She felt the new policy intruded on her personal freedoms.

• Geological Context:

  • The granite intruded the older sedimentary layers millions of years ago.

Variants and Related Words

• Intruder (noun): A person who intrudes, especially into a building illegally.
  • The security system detected an intruder.
• Intrusion (noun): The act of intruding or the thing that intrudes.
  • The paparazzi's constant presence was a serious intrusion.
• Intrusive (adjective): Causing disruption or annoyance by unwelcome involvement.
  • She asked intrusive questions about his finances.

Synonyms

• Trespass: To enter someone's land or property without permission. (Often implies a legal violation.)
• Encroach: To advance gradually beyond usual or acceptable limits. (Often used for land or rights.)
• Butt in: (Informal) To interrupt a conversation or activity impolitely.
• Meddle: To interfere in something that is not one's concern.

Phrasal Verbs and Common Collocations

• Intrude on/upon: To violate or disturb something.
  • I hate to intrude on your grief, but we need to discuss the arrangements.
• Intrude into: To enter a physical space or area of interest without right.
  • The spy agency was accused of intruding into the country's digital infrastructure.

Idioms and Fixed Expressions

• To intrude oneself (up)on someone: To force one's company or presence on someone.
  • He had a habit of intruding himself upon his neighbors every weekend.
• An unwelcome/intrusive thought: A thought that enters the mind disturbingly and without invitation.
  • Despite her efforts to be happy, an intrusive thought about the accident kept returning.

Verb

1. thrust oneself in as if by force
   • The colors don't intrude on the viewer
2. search or inquire in a meddlesome way
   • This guy is always nosing around the office
3. enter unlawfully on someone's property
   • Don't trespass on my land!
4. enter uninvited
   • They intruded on our dinner party
   • She irrupted into our sitting room