Word
intruder
Phoneticsin·trud·er, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈtɹudɝ/
UK/ɪntɹˈuːdɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person who enters a place without permission, often to steal something or cause trouble.
n. a person who enters a building, grounds, or private property without invitation or legal right.
Examples
“The security alarm went off when the intruder broke a window.”
“The homeowner called the police after seeing an unknown intruder on the backyard security camera.”
“While the motion sensors are designed to detect a human intruder, they are frequently triggered by local wildlife or swaying tree branches.”
Examples
simple
“The security alarm went off when the intruder broke a window.”
contextual
“The homeowner called the police after seeing an unknown intruder on the backyard security camera.”
complex
“While the motion sensors are designed to detect a human intruder, they are frequently triggered by local wildlife or swaying tree branches.”
Usage
Often used in legal or security contexts to distinguish between a guest and an unauthorised person.
Real-World Examples
“In Connecticut, Richard Dabate claimed that an intruder murdered his wife, Connie.” “Munroe, 43 at the time, then wrestled the gun away from one of the intruders and shot him.” Etymology
From intrude + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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