intrude

Intrude is a verb meaning to enter a place or situation where one is not welcome or invited, or to interfere with someone’s time, space, or privacy. It can describe physical entry, as in disregarding property boundaries, or more abstract incursions such as interrupting a conversation or invading someone’s personal matters. In everyday language, intruding is generally framed as unwanted or improper.

The word comes from Latin intrudere, meaning “to thrust in,” formed from in- (into) and trudere (to thrust). It entered English in the late Middle Ages and has since broadened to cover both literal and figurative incursions.

In usage, intrude often carries connotations of unwelcome or excessive interference. Physical intrusion can involve trespass or breaking and entering. Social or privacy-related usage includes intruding on someone’s personal space, thoughts, or private information. In technology and security contexts, intrusion denotes unauthorized access to systems or networks, with related terms such as intrusion detection describing measures to identify such activity.

Common forms related to intrude include the noun intrusion, describing the act or instance of intruding, and the agent noun intruder, referring to a person who intrudes. Related phrases include intrude on/privacy or intrude upon a conference or conversation. Across contexts, intrude is typically used to describe actions judged as inappropriate or uninvited.