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Intrusive

in-TROO-siv /ɪnˈtruːsɪv/

adjB2SATGRE

neutral

Causing disruption or annoyance through being unwelcome or uninvited.

Implies a violation of personal space, privacy, or comfort, often with an implication of being overly curious or meddling.

The story behind the word. The word 'intrusive' comes from the Latin 'intrudere,' meaning 'to thrust in.' This root combines 'in-' (into) and 'trudere' (to thrust). So, something intrusive is literally 'thrusting itself in' where it doesn't belong, highlighting its unwelcome and disruptive nature.

Word relationships

invasive: Often stronger, suggesting a more aggressive or damaging penetration.
meddling: Focuses on interfering in others' affairs, often less about physical space.
obtrusive: More about being noticeable in an unwelcome way, less about violating privacy.

unobtrusive: Not attracting attention; not interfering.
discreet: Careful in one's speech or actions, especially to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.

Commonly confused with

obtrusive: Intrusive implies a violation of privacy or personal space. Obtrusive means conspicuously noticeable or prominent in an unwelcome way, often without necessarily violating privacy.

Word family

intrude (v): To put oneself into a place or situation where one is unwelcome or uninvited.
intrusion (n): The act of intruding.

Collocations

intrusive questions
intrusive thoughts
intrusive behavior
intrusive advertising

Example sentences

"Her neighbor's constant questions about her personal life felt incredibly intrusive." Describing a neighbor's behavior.
"Many citizens found the new government surveillance program to be an intrusive infringement on their civil liberties." Referring to a new policy.
"The journalist's line of questioning became increasingly intrusive, delving into sensitive family matters." About a journalist's questions.

Memory hook

An 'IN-TRUder' is someone who comes 'IN' and 'TRUDES' (thrusts) themselves into your space, making them intrusive. IN-TRUder thrusts IN

When not to use

Do not use for something that is merely inconvenient or annoying but doesn't cross a boundary of personal space or privacy.

Fun facts

The concept of 'intrusive thoughts' is a common psychological phenomenon where unwanted, often disturbing thoughts enter one's mind.
In geology, an 'intrusive rock' is formed from magma that cools and solidifies within the Earth's crust, pushing into existing rock formations.