intrusion

noun

in·​tru·​sion in-ˈtrü-zhən How to pronounce intrusion (audio)
Synonyms of intrusionnext
1
: the act of intruding or the state of being intruded
especially : the act of wrongfully entering upon, seizing, or taking possession of the property of another
2
: the forcible entry of molten rock or magma into or between other rock formations
also : the intruded magma

Examples of intrusion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What’s so aggravating about a referee’s whistle is the sudden intrusion of a bystander. — Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026 Stokes is specifically accused of a cyber intrusion against a luxury jewelry retailer in May of last year. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 1 July 2026 The chair owns much of the relationship architecture that allows both sides to work without drifting into passivity or intrusion. — David Ribott, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Red Devils coach Rudi Garcia said his team would be playing to defend the entire sport against political intrusion. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for intrusion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin intrusion-, intrusio, from Latin intrudere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intrusion was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing intrusion

Rhymes for intrusion

See All Rhymes for intrusion

Browse Nearby Words

intrudingly
intrusion
intrusive
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intrusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intrusion. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

intrusion

noun
in·​tru·​sion in-ˈtrü-zhən How to pronounce intrusion (audio)
1
: the act of intruding : the state of being intruded
2
: the entry by force of melted rock into or between other rock formations

Legal Definition

intrusion

noun
in·​tru·​sion in-ˈtrü-zhən How to pronounce intrusion (audio)
1
a
: the entry at common law of a stranger after a particular estate of freehold is determined before the person who holds it in remainder or reversion has taken possession
b
: the act of wrongfully entering upon, seizing, or taking possession of the property of another
2
: a trespassing on or encroachment upon something (as a right)
the Fourth Amendment demands that the showing of justification match the degree of intrusion—Berger v. New York, 388 U.S. 41 (1968)

More from Merriam-Webster on intrusion

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for intrusion

Nglish: Translation of intrusion for Spanish Speakers

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