Invade: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.