Invade Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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invade

[ɪnˈveɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

military

Enter (a country or region) so as to subjugate or occupy it.

Synonyms

attack, conquer, occupy, overrun.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
invade

Use this word when one country enters another country with the aim of taking control of it, often involving military force.

  • The soldiers were prepared to invade the neighboring country
  • During World War II, many territories were invaded by foreign armies
occupy

This word is used when one group takes control of a place and starts to live there or use it, often by force.

  • The military forces plan to occupy the city after the battle
  • The rebels began to occupy several key buildings
conquer

Use this word when someone or something gains control over a place or people after a defeat. It often implies a sense of finality.

  • The emperor set out to conquer new lands
  • After years of warfare, the kingdom was finally conquered
overrun

This word describes a situation where a place is filled or controlled by large numbers of people, animals, or things, often causing harm or damage.

  • The town was overrun by tourists during the festival
  • The farm has been overrun with pests this season
attack

This word is suitable for describing any aggressive action against a person, group, or place. It doesn't necessarily involve taking control.

  • The army planned to attack at dawn
  • She was afraid someone might attack her while walking home

Examples of usage

  • The army invaded the enemy territory.
  • The troops invaded the neighboring country.
  • The invasion was successful in capturing the capital.
  • The enemy forces are planning to invade our borders.
  • The country was invaded by a foreign army.
Context #2 | Verb

general

Enter a place, situation, or sphere of activity in large numbers, especially with intrusive effect.

Synonyms

flood, infest, intrude, overwhelm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
invade

Use this word when talking about an aggressive or forceful entry into a place, often by an army or a group of people.

  • The army planned to invade the neighboring country at dawn.
  • Tourists can sometimes feel like they invade local neighborhoods.
flood

Often used when discussing a large amount of water covering an area, but can also be used metaphorically for an overwhelming quantity of something.

  • The river began to flood the entire valley after the rainstorm.
  • Emails started to flood her inbox after she posted her resume online.
overwhelm

Can be used when something is so great in number or size that it causes someone to feel stressed or pressured. Often used in an emotional context.

  • The amount of work started to overwhelm him, and he felt burnt out.
  • She was overwhelmed with joy when she saw her old friend.
infest

Best used when talking about pests or unwanted creatures that take over a place. It generally has a negative connotation.

  • Rats began to infest the old warehouse, making it unsafe.
  • The garden was infested with weeds, choking the flowers.
intrude

Appropriate for instances when someone or something enters a space uninvited or disrupts privacy.

  • I didn't mean to intrude, but I heard some noise and got worried.
  • He felt like he would intrude on their personal conversation, so he stayed away.

Examples of usage

  • Tourists invade the quiet town every summer.
  • Fans invade the stadium for the championship game.
  • Paparazzi invade the privacy of celebrities.
  • Social media influencers invade every platform with their content.
  • Technology has invaded every aspect of our lives.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'invade' comes from the Latin 'invadere', which means 'to enter forcefully', reflecting conflicts throughout history.
  • Throughout history, various empires, such as the Roman Empire, expanded their territory by invading neighboring lands.

Military Strategy

  • In military terms, an invasion often involves moving troops and equipment into enemy territory to conquer or control it.
  • Successful invasions have been marked by strategic planning, such as the famous D-Day landings during World War II, where Allied forces invaded Nazi-occupied France.

Cultural Implications

  • In modern discussions, the term can also refer to invasive species entering ecosystems and disrupting local flora and fauna.
  • Some cultural narratives depict characters 'invading' personal spaces, such as in certain comedic movies where someone accidentally barges into a private event.

Psychology

  • The concept of personal space in psychology indicates that invading someone's personal space can lead to feelings of discomfort or anxiety.
  • Studies show that perceived invasions of personal territory can trigger stress responses in individuals, showcasing the social importance of boundaries.

Literature

  • In literature, invasions often symbolize conflict and transformation, with authors exploring themes of identity and belonging.
  • Famous works like Shakespeare's 'Henry V' depict invasions not only as physical combative acts but also as emotional and ideological confrontations.

Origin of 'invade'

The word 'invade' originated from the Latin word 'invadere', which means 'to go into, to enter'. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century. The concept of invasion has been a significant part of human history, often associated with warfare, conquest, and colonization. Throughout history, many nations have invaded and been invaded, leading to major historical events and shifts in power dynamics.


See also: invader, invasion, invasive.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,856, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.