obtrudere

Obtrudere is a Latin verb meaning to thrust forward, to press upon, or to present (a matter) for consideration; it can denote both a physical act of thrusting and a figurative imposition on someone. The prefix ob- conveys a sense of toward or upon, while trudere carries the notion of pushing or thrusting.

In grammar, obtrudere belongs to the third conjugation of Latin verbs. Its usage covers both concrete actions, such as thrusting an object forward, and abstract senses, such as pressing a proposal upon an audience or intruding into a discussion. The nuance often carries unwelcome persistence or imposition, similar to intruding or forcing one's presence in a situation.

In English, obtrudere yields obtrude and the related adjective obtrusive, via direct borrowing and historical transmission through French and Latin. These descendants retain the core sense of forcing something into notice or attention, sometimes with a sense of intrusion. The verb intrudere shares a related meaning but emphasizes breaking into a space or situation rather than simply pressing something upon someone.

Notes on usage: obtrudere is more common in literary Latin and older prose, where authors describe both literal thrusting and the figurative act of imposing ideas or demands. It remains a classic example of how Latin prefixes can modify a root verb to express forceful action. See also intrude, impose.