# incursion

/ˌɪnˈkɝʒən/ (US) · /ɪnkˈɜːʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/incursion
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.