intrude

/in'tru:d/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
intrude

A neighbor intrudes on a family dinner by ringing the doorbell.

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.
intrude

A neighbor intrudes on a family dinner by ringing the doorbell.

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