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Interloping: meaning, definitions and examples

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interloping

 

[ ˈɪntərˌloʊpɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

uninvited presence

Interloping refers to the act of becoming involved in a situation where one is not wanted or has no right to be. This term is often used to describe individuals who intrude upon others' affairs or private matters, disregarding established boundaries. In many contexts, interloping can lead to conflict or tension, as the interloper disrupts the normal flow of interactions. It can apply in social settings, business environments, or even in more formal legal circumstances.

Synonyms

intervene, intrude, intruder

Examples of usage

  • She felt he was interloping in their conversation.
  • The interloping investor caused a stir in the local market.
  • They accused him of interloping in family matters.

Translations

Translations of the word "interloping" in other languages:

🇵🇹 interferência

🇮🇳 हस्तक्षेप

🇩🇪 Eingreifen

🇮🇩 campur tangan

🇺🇦 втручання

🇵🇱 ingerencja

🇯🇵 干渉する

🇫🇷 ingérence

🇪🇸 intervención

🇹🇷 müdahale

🇰🇷 개입

🇸🇦 تدخل

🇨🇿 vměšování

🇸🇰 zasahovanie

🇨🇳 干预

🇸🇮 vmešavanje

🇮🇸 íhlutun

🇰🇿 араласу

🇬🇪 მექანიზმი

🇦🇿 müdaxilə

🇲🇽 intervención

Word origin

The term 'interloping' derives from the word 'interloper', which has its roots in the early 15th century. It was initially used to refer to a trader who goes to another person's market to buy and sell goods, thereby disrupting local commerce. The prefix 'inter-' comes from Latin, meaning 'between' or 'among', and '-loper' derives from the Middle Dutch word 'loper', meaning 'runner'. Over time, the meaning of interloper evolved from a straightforward description of trade practices to a more generalized sense of someone who meddles or intrudes in others' affairs without permission. The connotation surrounding interloping became more negative, capturing the idea of unwelcome interference in personal or communal matters. Today, 'interloping' is often associated with unwanted involvement across various contexts, including social dynamics, legal disputes, and more.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,946, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.