obtrude upon
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To force oneself or one's ideas upon someone or something in an unwelcome or intrusive manner; to intrude. - To become noticeable in an unwelcome or inappropriate way.
Usage
The verb "obtrude upon" describes an action where something (a person, a sound, a thought) imposes itself on a situation, a place, or a person's attention without being wanted or invited. It implies a lack of consideration for boundaries, privacy, or peace.
Examples
- He didn't want to obtrude upon their private conversation, so he waited outside.
- The bright neon sign obtrudes upon the quiet, historic character of the old street.
- Worrying thoughts about work began to obtrude upon her evening of relaxation.
- Please excuse me; I did not mean to obtrude upon your grief.
Advanced Usage
- "to obtrude itself upon": Used when the subject is a thing or an idea forcing itself into awareness.
- A feeling of dread obtruded itself upon his thoughts.
- The act of obtruding is often seen as negative, involving a violation of social, physical, or mental space.
Variants and Related Words
- Obtrude (verb): The base form, meaning to become noticeable in an unwelcome way or to impose.
- His ego tends to obtrude in every discussion.
- Obtrusive (adjective): Prominent in an unwelcome or intrusive way.
- The obtrusive camera made the guests uncomfortable.
- Unobtrusive (adjective): Not conspicuous or attracting attention; the opposite of obtrusive.
- The security guard was quiet and unobtrusive.
Synonyms
- Intrude upon: To enter or be present where one is not welcome.
- Impose on: To force something to be accepted or put in place.
- Encroach upon: To gradually intrude on a territory, right, or privilege.
- Infringe upon: To actively violate a rule, law, or right.
- Trespass on: To enter someone's land or property without permission; can be used figuratively.
Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions
- Impose on/upon: Very similar in meaning, often used for placing an unwanted burden.
- I don't want to impose upon your hospitality.
- Intrude on/upon: The most direct synonym, focusing on unwanted entry into a space or matter.
- The article intrudes on the family's privacy.
Related Idioms
- To butt in: (Informal) To interrupt a conversation or activity rudely.
- He's always butting in with his unsolicited advice.
- To horn in: (Informal) To intrude or interfere, especially to join something without an invitation.
- They tried to horn in on our business deal.
Verb
- to intrude upon, infringe, encroach on, violate
- This new colleague invades my territory
- The neighbors intrude on your privacy