invasion
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
when an army enters another country by force to take control of it.
the act of an armed force entering a foreign territory with the intent of conquest or regime change.
Simple“The country prepared its defenses after hearing news of a possible invasion.”
In context“Historians still debate whether the massive naval invasion could have been avoided through more rigorous diplomatic efforts in the preceding months.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
when people or things enter a place where they are not wanted or disturb your private life.
an unwelcome or intrusive entry into a place or a person's private affairs.
Simple“The constant phone calls felt like an invasion of her privacy.”
In context“The celebrity described the paparazzi's presence at the private funeral as a cruel invasion of a family's grief.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the spread of a disease, bacteria, or cancer cells inside the body.
the spreading of pathogenic microorganisms or malignant cells into healthy tissue or throughout an organism.
Simple“Doctors were worried about the invasion of cancer cells into the nearby organs.”
In context“The pathology report confirmed the invasion of the tumor into the lymphatic system, necessitating a more aggressive course of chemotherapy.”
UsageOften used to describe the aggressive movement of cancer cells into surrounding tissues.
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
the act of cutting into the skin or entering the body during a medical procedure.
the breaching of the skin barrier or entry into a body cavity during a clinical or surgical procedure.
Simple“Modern surgery aims to limit the invasion of the body to help patients heal faster.”
In context“The surgeon opted for a laparoscopic approach to minimize tissue invasion and reduce the risk of post-operative infection.”
UsageCommonly found in the phrase 'minimally invasive' to describe surgery with small cuts.
Synonyms
“But after Ukraine won the contest in 2022, it was unable to host the following year's edition because of Russia's full-scale invasion.”
“Halton Police nabbed a man in connection with a home invasion.”
From Middle French invasion, from Late Latin invāsiōnem, accusative of invāsiō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.