intrude Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb enter uninvited
    irrupt.
    • They intruded on our dinner party
    • She irrupted into our sitting room
  2. verb enter unlawfully on someone's property
    trespass.
    • Don't trespass on my land!
  3. verb search or inquire in a meddlesome way
    horn in; poke; pry; nose.
    • This guy is always nosing around the office
  4. verb thrust oneself in as if by force
    obtrude.
    • The colors don't intrude on the viewer

WordNet

In*trude" intransitive verb
Etymology
L. intrudere, intrusum; pref. in- in + trudere to thrust, akin to E. threat. See Threat.
Definitions
  1. To thrust one's self in; to come or go in without invitation, permission, or welcome; to encroach; to trespass; as, to intrude on families at unseasonable hours; to intrude on the lands of another.
    Thy wit wants edge And manners, to intrude where I am graced. Shak.
    Some thoughts rise and intrude upon us, while we shun them; others fly from us, when we would hold them. I. Watts.
In*trude" transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Intruded; present participle & verbal noun Intruding
Definitions
  1. To thrust or force (something) in or upon; especially, to force (one's self) in without leave or welcome; as, to intrude one's presence into a conference; to intrude one's opinions upon another.
  2. To enter by force; to invade. Obs.
    Why should the worm intrude the maiden bud? Shak.
  3. (Geol.) The cause to enter or force a way, as into the crevices of rocks. Syn. -- To obtrude; encroach; infringe; intrench; trespass. See Obtrude.

Webster 1913