intrusion

noun

in·​tru·​sion in-ˈtrü-zhən 

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

The small hippos face many pressures, including loss of habitat, hunting and human intrusion into their environment. —Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

When Disney discovered the hack, the company reset passwords, preventing further intrusion. —Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 31 Oct. 2024

In retrospect, the company believes that initial intrusion was designed to gain intelligence about Sophos products that would enable follow-on attacks on its customers. —Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 31 Oct. 2024

School safety officers responded to multiple intrusion alarms at the campus and spotted an unknown adult emerging from one of the campus bungalows, school district officials said. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing intrusion

• anti-intrusion

Kids Definition

intrusion

noun

in·​tru·​sion in-ˈtrü-zhən 

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 

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)