To intrude is to enter a place or situation where you are not welcome or do not belong, or to become involved in someone else's affairs without their invitation or permission. This can manifest physically, such as entering a house unannounced, or figuratively, such as inserting unwanted thoughts or opinions. The act of intruding often carries a connotation of rudeness, disrespect, or unwanted disruption, as it violates boundaries and personal space, whether literal or metaphorical. Intrusion can be intentional, driven by curiosity, nosiness, or malicious intent, or unintentional, resulting from a lack of awareness or a simple mistake. The consequence is a feeling of discomfort or violation.
Intrudes meaning with examples
- The persistent salesman intrudes on people's homes, pushing his products and disrupting the residents' peace. His aggressive sales tactics make him a constant nuisance in the neighborhood. He should have gotten their permission before doing this, it is considered very impolite.
- During the sensitive meeting, a sudden phone call intrudes on the speaker's flow, momentarily halting the discussion. The interruption's timing was unfortunate, as it disrupted a critical point being made about the project. The intrusion, though likely unintentional, upset everyone in attendance.
- Her childhood memories began to intrude upon her thoughts, as if these past experiences were uninvited guests arriving at her door. The sudden flashbacks made it hard for her to focus on present activities, the old emotions surfacing with unexpected intensity.
- The dense fog started to intrude into the landscape, obscuring the picturesque scenery and dampening any potential outdoor adventures. The weather suddenly changed, and the mist gave a strange, yet eerie feeling to the people there. People could only see what was immediately near them.
- The government’s surveillance programs might be seen as intruding on citizens' privacy, a subject of public and intense debate. The concern is whether the protection of national security justifies this intrusion on individuals' freedom and right to privacy.