Word
intrude
Phoneticsin·trude, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈtɹud/
UK/ɪntɹˈuːd/
Definition
v. to enter a place or a situation without being invited. It can also mean to say something that is not wanted in a conversation or a space.
v. to enter a place or situation without invitation or permission; to encroach upon the privacy or space of another. Often used to describe an unwelcome interruption in a conversation or a physical boundary.
Examples
“I am sorry to intrude, but I need to ask you a question.”
“The loud music from the next apartment began to intrude on our quiet evening at home.”
“While the new legislation was intended to protect public health, critics argued that it would intrude on the private lives of citizens in an unnecessary and invasive manner.”
Examples
simple
“I am sorry to intrude, but I need to ask you a question.”
contextual
“The loud music from the next apartment began to intrude on our quiet evening at home.”
complex
“While the new legislation was intended to protect public health, critics argued that it would intrude on the private lives of citizens in an unnecessary and invasive manner.”
Etymology
From Latin intrudere, from in- + trudere (“to thrust”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/intrude