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

President Donald Trump’s intrusion into California’s long-running conflict over water management — essentially favoring farmers over wildlife habitat — has drawn massive media and political attention. —Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2025

The couple are both happy, fulfilled and living their lives in Miami without the frequent intrusion of photographers, the source tells PEOPLE. —Natasha Dye, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025

The police said there was no evidence of murder or intrusion into his home and called his death an apparent suicide. —Jin Yu Young, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025

Wu, Jiang and Chen’s operation was uncovered in an investigation into $100 million stolen through romance fraud, elder fraud and cyber intrusions into U.S. companies, court filings say. —Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025

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)