Intruder: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this term when referring to someone who enters a place without permission, typically with the intent to cause harm or steal.

• The security alarm was triggered by an intruder trying to break into the house

This word describes someone who enters someone else's property without permission, though not necessarily with harmful intent. It is often used in legal contexts.

• The farmer put up a sign to warn trespassers to stay off his land

This term is often used in a more aggressive context, usually describing a person or group that enters a place by force, often with the intention of conquest.

• The ancient city fell to the invaders after a long and bloody battle

This word refers to someone who becomes involved in a place or situation where they are not wanted or do not belong, often causing inconvenience.

• The guests were annoyed by the interloper who kept interrupting their conversation

Use for someone who enters a place without permission, typically in a physical sense, like a home or building.

• The alarm went off, alerting the homeowners to an intruder in their backyard.
• The security camera caught footage of the intruder breaking the window to get inside.

Refers to a person who gains unauthorized access to computer systems. This term can be neutral or even positive in some contexts, but often has a negative connotation.

• The company hired a hacker to test their security vulnerabilities.
• Reports indicate that a hacker group has infiltrated several government websites.

Used to describe someone who commits crimes using computers or the internet, emphasizing the criminal element.

• The cybercriminal was arrested for stealing millions of credit card numbers.
• Security experts warn that cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated in their attacks.

Typically refers to someone who accesses a system or place without proper permission, usually in a neutral, technical sense.

• The system logs showed several attempts by an unauthorized user to access restricted files.
• Steps were taken to block the unauthorized user from entering the secure network.