Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Tending to intrude, especially in an unwelcome or uninvited manner: Describes something or someone that enters a situation, space, or private matter without permission or welcome.
   • Of rock material; forced while molten into cracks between layers of other rock: In geology, describes igneous rock that has solidified from magma forced into surrounding rock formations.
   • Thrusting inward: Describes something that physically projects or extends into a space.

Usage and Examples

• General Use (Unwelcome Interference):

  • She felt her presence there was intrusive.
  • The intrusive questions from the reporter made the celebrity uncomfortable.
  • We installed a fence to block the intrusive view from the street.

• Geological Use:

  • Granite is a common type of intrusive igneous rock.
  • The intrusive rock formation cut across the older sedimentary layers.

• Physical Description:

  • The bay formed an intrusive arm of the sea into the coastline.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Psychology/Linguistics: In psychology, "intrusive" often describes unwanted, repetitive thoughts. In linguistics, an "intrusive" sound is one inserted into a word for easier pronunciation (e.g., the 'r' in "law(r) and order").

  • He sought therapy to manage his intrusive thoughts.
  • The pronunciation "drawring" for "drawing" is an example of an intrusive 'r'.

• Formal/Technical Contexts: The term is frequently used in formal complaints, legal contexts (e.g., "intrusive surveillance"), and scientific descriptions.

  • The court deemed the search intrusive and a violation of privacy.
  • The intrusive nature of the data collection raised ethical concerns.

Variants and Related Words

• Intrude (verb): To enter or involve oneself without invitation or welcome.
  • I don't want to intrude on your private conversation.
• Intrusion (noun): The act of intruding or the thing that intrudes.
  • The noise from the construction site was a constant intrusion.
• Intrusiveness (noun): The quality or state of being intrusive.
  • The intrusiveness of the advertising was widely criticized.

Synonyms

• Meddlesome: Inclined to interfere in others' affairs.
• Invasive: Tending to spread or intrude, often harmfully.
• Obtrusive: Noticeable in an unwelcome or conspicuous way.
• Presumptuous: Failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate.

Antonyms

• Unobtrusive: Not conspicuous or attracting attention.
• Discreet: Careful to avoid causing embarrassment or attracting attention.
• Reserved: Slow to reveal emotion or opinions; keeping to oneself.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To be intrusive upon (someone's) privacy: A formal phrase emphasizing the violation of personal space or private matters.
  • The new security cameras were intrusive upon the employees' privacy.
• Intrusive memory: A psychological term for a vivid, unwanted recollection of a traumatic event.
  • Survivors of the accident often struggled with intrusive memories.

Adjective

1. thrusting inward
   • an intrusive arm of the sea
2. of rock material; forced while molten into cracks between layers of other rock
3. tending to intrude (especially upon privacy)
   • she felt her presence there was intrusive