Invading Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚔️
Add to dictionary

invading

[ɪnˈveɪ.dɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

military action

Invading refers to the act of entering a place, often by force, with the intent to conquer or occupy. It typically involves a military force crossing into another country's territory, aiming to gain control over it. The term can also apply to non-military scenarios, such as invading someone's privacy or personal space. Invading can lead to significant conflict and resistance from the invaded party.

Synonyms

conquering, intruding, occupying, storming, transgressing.

Examples of usage

  • The army is invading the neighboring country.
  • They accused the company of invading user privacy.
  • The weeds are invading my garden.
  • He felt like his thoughts were invading his peace.
  • The tourists invaded the quiet village.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Many famous battles throughout history involved one country invading another, like the Roman Empire expanding its reach across Europe.
  • The term is often associated with events like D-Day during World War II, when Allied forces invaded Nazi-occupied France.
  • In ancient times, civilizations often expanded by invading neighboring lands, leading to the rise and fall of empires.

Ecology

  • In environmental science, invading species refer to organisms that spread to areas where they’re not native, often disrupting local ecosystems.
  • Examples include the Burmese python in the Everglades, which has invaded the habitat and impacted native species.
  • These invasions can lead to the decline of local flora and fauna as the new species outcompete them for resources.

Technology

  • In the digital world, 'invading' can relate to cyber invasions, where hackers break into systems to steal information.
  • This can include unwanted intrusions into privacy, such as identity theft or data breaches.
  • Organizations use various security measures to prevent these types of invasions and protect sensitive data.

Literature

  • In many stories, characters face invading forces that they must resist, reflecting themes of struggle and resilience.
  • George Orwell's '1984' features an oppressive regime that invades personal freedom and privacy, symbolizing totalitarian control.
  • Fantasy novels often depict invasions as central conflict points, like elves or dwarves defending against goblin armies.

Psychology

  • The concept of 'psychological invasion' refers to when someone feels their personal space or boundaries are being violated.
  • Researchers study how invasion of personal space can cause anxiety or discomfort, affecting social interactions.
  • Understanding personal space and the feeling of being invaded can help improve communication and relationships.

Origin of 'invading'

The term 'invading' originates from the Latin word 'invadere', which means 'to enter forcefully'. The components of this Latin term derive from 'in-', meaning 'in' or 'upon', and 'vadere', meaning 'to go'. Its usage in English dates back to the late Middle English period, around the 15th century, where it began to take on both military and metaphorical meanings. Historically, invasions were often associated with conquests and territorial expansions, as seen in events like the Norman Conquest in 1066, where invading forces established new rule over England. Over time, the application of the word expanded beyond military contexts to encompass any scenario where one entity intrudes into another's domain, such as invading privacy or personal space. The dual connotation of aggression and transgression continues to be relevant in contemporary language.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,031, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.