Invader: meaning, definitions and examples

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invader

[ɪnˈveɪdər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

alien

A person or group that invades a country, region, or place with hostile intent.

Synonyms

aggressor, occupier, raider.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
invader	Used to describe someone or a group that enters a place, usually a country or territory, with the intention to conquer or take control by force. The invaders broke through the city walls. The ancient city fell to the invaders within days.
aggressor	Describes an entity that initiates hostilities or attacks another, often used in the context of starting a conflict or war. The country was deemed the aggressor in the conflict. International sanctions were imposed on the aggressor nation.
occupier	Refers to a force that takes control of a place and remains there, often associated with prolonged military occupation. The occupiers enforced strict curfews on the local population. After years of occupation, the occupiers were finally driven out.
raider	Describes someone who makes a sudden, surprise attack, typically for the purpose of stealing or causing destruction. The village was often targeted by armed raiders. The castle was sacked by a group of raiders during the night.

Examples of usage

The invaders quickly took control of the city.
The villagers fought off the invaders.
The history books are filled with stories of invaders and conquerors.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

game

An alien enemy character in a video game.

Synonyms

enemy, foe, opponent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
invader	Used when referring to someone or a group that forcibly enters a place or territory without permission. Often used in historical or military contexts. The medieval castle was designed to repel invaders. The town prepared defenses against the incoming invaders.
enemy	General term for someone who is opposed or hostile to someone else. Can be used in various contexts, including personal, military, or political situations. During the war, they considered each other enemies. He realized his best friend had become his enemy.
foe	A somewhat formal word for an opponent or enemy, often used in literature or discussions of serious conflicts. The hero faced his greatest foe in the final battle. Diplomats worked tirelessly to turn former foes into allies.
opponent	Used in contexts of competition or disagreement, such as sports, debates, or legal battles. Generally has a less hostile connotation compared to 'enemy' or 'foe'. The chess player studied his opponent's moves carefully. In the debate, she presented strong arguments against her opponent.

Examples of usage

In the game, players have to defeat waves of invaders.
The final boss is a powerful invader spaceship.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

science fiction

An extraterrestrial being or species that enters another planet or world.

Synonyms

alien, creature, extraterrestrial.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
invader	Used when referring to an entity that enters a place forcefully, usually with the intent to conquer or harm. The castle was defended against the invader. History shows that invaders often bring about significant change.
alien	Commonly used to describe a being from another planet or, in some cases, a foreign person or thing. The word can carry a slightly negative connotation when referring to people. They found traces of unknown technology; it must be alien. The new policies affected both citizens and aliens residing in the country.
extraterrestrial	Specifically describes something or someone originating outside the Earth. Used mainly in scientific or speculative contexts. Scientists are searching for extraterrestrial life. The movie is about an extraterrestrial being stranded on Earth.
creature	Generally refers to any living being, often strange or unfamiliar. It is a neutral term and can be applied to real or fictional beings. They discovered a strange creature in the deep sea. The creature from the legend has haunted the village for centuries.

Examples of usage

The novel explores the encounter between humans and alien invaders.
The movie features a battle between Earth and space invaders.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'invader' comes from the Latin word 'invadere,' which means to enter forcefully.
Throughout history, many empires expanded by sending invaders into new territories, altering cultures and populations.
The concept of invasion can be seen in various tales and legends, emphasizing the struggle for land and resources.

Pop Culture

In movies and books, invaders are often portrayed as aliens or armies trying to take over Earth, like in 'Independence Day.'
Video games often feature invaders as villains that players must defeat to save a world, such as in 'Space Invaders.'

Biology

In ecology, 'invasive species' are organisms that invade new environments, disrupting local ecosystems.
Examples include the zebra mussel and the Asian carp, both of which have severe effects on their new habitats.

Psychology

In relationships, an 'emotional invader' can refer to someone who intrudes on personal space or boundaries.
Understanding interpersonal dynamics is crucial to recognizing when someone is acting like an invader in a social setting.

Literature

The theme of invasion is common in literature, often symbolizing conflict and confrontation between opposing forces.
Classics like 'War of the Worlds' explore the idea of alien invaders threatening human existence, while also reflecting societal fears.

Translations

Translations of the word "invader" in other languages:

🇵🇹 invasor

🇮🇳 आक्रमणकारी

🇩🇪 Eindringling

🇮🇩 penjajah

🇺🇦 загарбник

🇵🇱 najeźdźca

🇯🇵 侵略者 (shinryakusha)

🇫🇷 envahisseur

🇪🇸 invasor

🇹🇷 istilacı

🇰🇷 침략자 (chimryakja)

🇸🇦 غزاة

🇨🇿 vetřelec

🇸🇰 votrelca

🇨🇳 入侵者 (rùqīnzhě)

🇸🇮 vsiljivec

🇮🇸 innrásarmaður

🇰🇿 басқыншы

🇬🇪 მოჭრილი

🇦🇿 istilacı

🇲🇽 invasor

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,042, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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20039 convocation
20040 quell
20041 entrapment
20042 invader
20043 superlative
20044 scrotum
20045 tensed
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