intrusive
in-TROO-siv
/ɪnˈtruː.sɪv/
Causing disruption or annoyance through being unwelcome or uninvited; particularly of unwelcome thoughts.
Refers to unwanted thoughts or memories that invade consciousness against one's will.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'intrudere', literally meaning 'to thrust in'. The root 'trudere' appears in words that involve forceful entry, capturing how unwanted thoughts thrust themselves into awareness.
Word relationships
- invasive: Invasive suggests spreading aggressively; intrusive stresses unwelcome entry into personal space or thoughts.
- involuntary: Involuntary means unchosen; intrusive emphasizes that the unchosen element is unwelcomed and disruptive.
- unobtrusive: Not conspicuous or attracting unwanted attention.
Commonly confused with
- obtrusive: Obtrusive means noticeably unwanted in physical appearance; intrusive focuses on unwelcome entrance into thought or privacy.
Word family
- intrude (verb): To enter without permission or welcome.
- intrusion (noun): An instance of unwelcome interruption or invasion.
Collocations
- intrusive thoughts
- intrusive memories
- intrusive questions
- highly intrusive
Example sentences
- "Intrusive thoughts are a hallmark feature of post-traumatic stress disorder." Psychiatry
Memory hook
INTRUSIVE thoughts INTRUDE on your inner peace like an unwelcome INTRUDER. Forcefully entering uninvited.
When not to use
Do not use to describe physical objects that are simply misplaced.
Fun facts
- Nearly everyone experiences intrusive thoughts occasionally, but clinical anxiety occurs when the brain assigns excessive importance to them.
Related words
Explore more words
intrude, unobtrusive, interfere, interrupt, disruption, disrupt
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