Word
incursion
Phoneticsin·cur·sion, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈkɝʒən/
UK/ɪnkˈɜːʃən/
Definition
n. a sudden attack or a small group of people entering a place where they are not welcome. It is often used to describe a military move into an enemy's territory.
n. a sudden, often violent, entry into a territory or area; a military attack or raid. Often implies a temporary or limited movement rather than a full-scale invasion.
Examples
“The army launched a small incursion into the enemy's camp.”
“The border patrol reported a sudden incursion of illegal vehicles across the river during the night.”
“While the initial incursion was met with heavy resistance, the strategic placement of the troops allowed for a swift and decisive withdrawal before reinforcements arrived.”
Examples
simple
“The army launched a small incursion into the enemy's camp.”
contextual
“The border patrol reported a sudden incursion of illegal vehicles across the river during the night.”
complex
“While the initial incursion was met with heavy resistance, the strategic placement of the troops allowed for a swift and decisive withdrawal before reinforcements arrived.”
Real-World Examples
“The most brazen attack came in March, when Roland says some 30 to 40 settlers stormed the quarry site in a coordinated mass incursion.” “Soldiers also detained three Palestinians amid a settler incursion in Burqa, east of Ramallah.” “In Mato Grosso, Brazil, capybaras wandered into the building, but they were polite during the incursion.” Etymology
From Middle English, borrowed from Old French, from Latin incursiō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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