Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Projecting inward: Extending or reaching into a space, area, or domain where it is not the primary or expected feature. This often implies an unwelcome or disruptive presence.
   • Encroaching, trespassing: Entering or being present in a place or situation without invitation, permission, or welcome.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The intruding branches from the neighbor's tree were blocking our sunlight. (The branches extending into our property were an unwelcome presence.)
  • She found the reporter's questions to be intruding and overly personal. (The questions felt like an unwelcome invasion of privacy.)
  • An intruding sense of doubt made it hard for him to concentrate. (A feeling that forced itself into his thoughts disrupted his focus.)

Advanced Usage

• "intruding upon": This phrase is commonly used to describe the act of violating someone's privacy, peace, or territory.
  • I apologize for intruding upon your solitude. (I am sorry for disturbing your time alone.)
• Used to describe geological or architectural features that protrude into a formation.
  • The geologist studied the intruding igneous rock within the sedimentary layers. (He examined the rock that had pushed its way into the existing layers.)

Variants and Related Words

• Intrude (verb): To enter or be present where one is not welcome or invited.
  • Please do not intrude while the meeting is in session.
• Intrusion (noun): The act of intruding or the state of being intruded upon.
  • The security system prevents unauthorized intrusion.
• Intrusive (adjective): Tending to intrude, especially in an annoying way.
  • The constant advertisements were intrusive.

Synonyms

• Encroaching: Advancing gradually beyond usual or acceptable limits.
• Trespassing: Entering someone's land or property without permission.
• Meddling: Interfering in something that is not one's concern.
• Obtrusive: Noticeable in an unwelcome or intrusive way.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Intrude on/upon: To violate or disturb, especially a person's privacy, time, or space.
  • He didn't want to intrude on their family gathering. (He did not want to disturb their private family event.)

Related Idioms

• To overstep the mark / To cross the line: To behave in a way that is not acceptable or is beyond the limits of what is permitted. This idiom relates to the concept of intruding into forbidden or inappropriate territory.
  • Asking about his salary really overstepped the mark. (That question was an intrusive violation of privacy.)

Adjective

1. projecting inward