Definition

1. Verb:
   • To extend outward or project beyond a surface: To stick out from a level or surrounding surface.
   • To cause to project: To thrust something outward.

Usage

• As an intransitive verb (most common): Something protrudes from a surface.
• As a transitive verb (less common): To protrude something, meaning to cause it to stick out.

Examples

• Intransitive use:
  • The broken branch protruded from the tree trunk.
  • Her keys protruded from her bag, making it difficult to zip.
  • When he smiled, his front teeth protruded slightly.
• Transitive use:
  • The lizard protruded its tongue to catch the insect. (This usage is less frequent.)

Advanced Usage

• "to protrude into/through/from": These prepositions are commonly used to specify the relationship between the protruding object and the surface.
  • A sharp piece of metal protruded through the fabric.
  • The balcony protrudes over the street below.

Variants and Related Words

• Protrusion (noun): The state of protruding or something that protrudes.
  • The doctor examined the protrusion on his knee.
• Protrusive (adjective): Tending to protrude.
  • He has a protrusive jaw.

Synonyms

• Stick out: To extend beyond a surface (informal).
• Jut out: To extend out sharply or abruptly.
• Project: To extend outward.
• Bulge: To swell or curve outward.
• Pop out: To come out suddenly (often for eyes).

Antonyms

• Recede: To move back or away.
• Retract: To draw back in.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms

• Stick out like a sore thumb: To be very noticeable because of being different. (This idiom conveys a similar idea of being prominent or projecting, but is used figuratively.)
  • His formal suit stuck out like a sore thumb at the beach party.

Verb

1. swell or protrude outwards
   • His stomach bulged after the huge meal
2. bulge outward
   • His eyes popped
3. extend out or project in space
   • His sharp nose jutted out
   • A single rock sticks out from the cliff