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Intrusive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intrusive

[ษชnหˆtruหsษชv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Causing disruption or annoyance by intruding on someone's privacy or personal space.

Synonyms

meddlesome, obtrusive, pushy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intrusive

Used when something or someone is unwelcome and interrupts someone's privacy or peace.

  • The flashing advertisements were very intrusive
  • His questions were quite intrusive
obtrusive

Refers to something that is noticeable in an unwelcome or intrusive way. Often used for things that stand out too much.

  • Her obtrusive manner of dressing drew a lot of attention
  • The obtrusive noise made it hard to concentrate
meddlesome

Describes someone who interferes in other people's affairs, often in a bothersome way. Has a negative connotation.

  • She was a meddlesome neighbor, always asking about our personal business
  • His meddlesome behavior caused a lot of trouble
pushy

Describes someone who is excessively assertive or forceful in a way that is considered rude or annoying. Carries a negative tone.

  • The salespeople were very pushy, trying to get us to buy more
  • His pushy attitude at work was not appreciated by his colleagues

Examples of usage

  • His intrusive questions made her feel uncomfortable.
  • The intrusive paparazzi followed them everywhere.
Context #2 | Adjective

geology

Forcing or thrusting into a rock formation by geological forces.

Synonyms

invasive, penetrative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intrusive

Used to describe something that interrupts or disturbs someoneโ€™s privacy or routine. It often has a negative connotation.

  • His constant questioning felt very intrusive.
  • The loud music was intrusive and kept me from concentrating.
penetrative

Refers to something that has the ability to enter or infiltrate deeply, often used in a physical or metaphorical sense.

  • The detectiveโ€™s penetrative questioning got to the heart of the matter.
  • The penetrative gaze made her feel uncomfortable.
invasive

Applied when something spreads or affects an area where it is not wanted, such as illnesses, species, or actions that infringe on others' space. Often used in medical or environmental contexts.

  • The surgery is minimally invasive and requires only a small incision.
  • The plant is invasive and has overrun local habitats.

Examples of usage

  • The intrusive igneous rock formed when magma solidified beneath the Earth's surface.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Intrusive thoughts can occur in anxiety and trauma, where unwanted ideas disrupt a person's mental space.
  • They are often automatic and can evoke significant distress, leading to coping mechanisms to regain control.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy often addresses how to manage and understand these thoughts.

Pop Culture

  • Intrusive characters are common in stories, often representing a struggle for the main character to maintain their space or peace.
  • TV shows often exaggerate the 'intrusive' behavior for comedic effect, showcasing characters who meddle in others' lives.
  • In horror films, intrusive elements create tension as unseen forces invade the protagonists' safe spaces.

Technology

  • Pop-up ads on websites are often described as intrusive because they interrupt your browsing experience.
  • In the context of privacy, intrusive surveillance refers to unwanted monitoring of personal behavior or data.
  • Social media platforms often face criticism for intrusive notifications that can distract users from their activities.

Art

  • In visual art, intrusive elements might refer to jarring contrasts that disrupt the viewer's experience, prompting reflection.
  • The concept of 'intrusiveness' can be explored in installations that challenge personal space and viewer interactions.
  • Literature often uses intrusive narrative styles, such as breaking the fourth wall, to engage deeply with the reader.

Origin of 'intrusive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'intrusio', which means 'to force in' or 'to invade'.
  • It was first recorded in English in the late 16th century, originally relating to trespassing in physical spaces.
  • Over time, its meaning expanded to describe emotional and psychological invasion.

The word 'intrusive' originated from the Latin word 'intrudere', which means 'to thrust in'. It first appeared in English in the 15th century. Over time, the word has evolved to describe not only physical intrusion but also interference in personal matters or thoughts.

See also: intrude, intruder, intrusion, intrusions.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,080, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.