Incursion: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to a sudden or brief aggressive entrance into a place or area, typically causing some form of disruption.

• The village was peaceful until a sudden military incursion disturbed its tranquility.
• Police forces are prepared to respond to any incursion into restricted areas.

Describes a large-scale entry into a place or area, often by an armed force with the intent of occupying or conquering it. It has a strong negative connotation.

• The invasion led to widespread devastation and the displacement of thousands of people.
• Historians study the invasion to understand its impact on the local culture.

Indicates a sudden and surprise attack, typically by a smaller force, aimed at seizing supplies or causing damage. Often used in a military or law enforcement context.

• The police conducted a raid on the suspected drug dealer's house.
• During the night, the soldiers carried out a raid on the enemy camp.

Refers to the act of entering or gaining access to an organization, place, or group, often secretly and with the intent of causing harm or gathering information.

• The intelligence agency thwarted an attempt at infiltration by foreign spies.
• The company has strict security protocols to prevent the infiltration of competitors.

Use 'incursion' to describe a sudden or brief invasion or attack, often in a military context.

• The enemy made several incursions into our territory last night
• The wildlife reserve has faced incursions from poachers

Infiltration is used when someone or something secretly enters or becomes established within an organization, place, or group, often for malicious or strategic purposes.

• The spy was able to achieve complete infiltration of the enemy headquarters
• The infiltration of the computer system was discovered too late to stop the damage

Penetration is best used to describe breaking through a barrier or gaining access, and it can be used in a wide range of contexts, including business, technology, and physical entry.

• The company's market penetration strategy was highly effective
• The missile's penetration capabilities were tested under extreme conditions

This word is appropriate when describing the gradual intrusion or overstepping of boundaries, typically coming with a negative connotation.

• The construction of new buildings is causing an encroachment on the local park
• The company is facing backlash for its encroachment into residential areas

typically used to describe a sudden or brief invasion or attack, often by a small force or for a short duration.

• The army quickly repelled the enemy's incursion into their territory.
• There was an incursion of wild animals into the town during the night.

implies entering someone's space or privacy without permission, often seen as rude or unwelcome.

• She felt an intrusion into her personal life when her boss asked about her relationship.
• The intrusion of the neighbor's loud music disrupted our evening.

used to describe a large-scale attack or entering of an area, usually by a military force; can also metaphorically refer to overwhelming entries into personal space or domains.

• The country faced an invasion by enemy forces.
• There was an invasion of privacy when her emails were hacked.

refers to a temporary halt or pause in an activity or process, often caused by an external factor.

• He was annoyed by the constant interruptions during his presentation.
• The rain caused an interruption to the outdoor event.