Obtruding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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obtruding

[ษ™bหˆtruหdษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

unwelcome presence

Obtruding refers to something that physically or figuratively intrudes or imposes itself in a way that is unwelcome or inappropriate. It often describes actions, attitudes, or things that draw excessive attention to themselves or disrupt a situation.

Synonyms

disruptive, impertinent, intrusive, unwelcome.

Examples of usage

  • His obtruding comments made the meeting uncomfortable.
  • The obtruding noise of construction distracted the students.
  • She found his obtruding behavior quite off-putting.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Obtrusion can relate to social behaviors where individuals feel the need to dominate conversations, affecting group dynamics.
  • Studies show that people often perceive obtruding behaviors as a sign of insecurity, where the individual seeks to assert their presence.
  • Intrusive thoughts in psychology describe unwanted thoughts that interrupt normal thinking, paralleling the concept of obtruding.

Social Interaction

  • During social gatherings, certain behaviors are considered obtrusive, such as talking loudly or interrupting others, which can annoy people.
  • In communication, an obtruding comment can derail discussed topics and shift focus, which is often frowned upon in polite conversation.
  • Body language can also be obtrusive; standing too close to someone can make them uncomfortable and is seen as intrusive.

Literature

  • In fiction, characters who are obtruding often serve as antagonists, creating conflict through their unwelcome presence.
  • Poets may use obtruding imagery to depict chaos or disruption in narrative structures, enhancing emotional tension in the story.
  • Classic literature frequently embodies societal obtrusions, reflecting on how certain characters impose their will on others.

Cultural References

  • In modern media, characters that are obtrusive often conform to the trope of the 'loud neighbor' or the 'uninvited guest', making them memorable.
  • Reality television often highlights obtruding personalities, whose dramatic interruptions capture the audienceโ€™s attention and elevate tension.
  • The portrayal of obtruding characters can lead to discussions around social norms and boundaries, emphasizing the importance of respectful interactions.

Origin of 'obtruding'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'obtrudere', meaning 'to thrust against', which hints at its intrusive nature.
  • In English, the term has been used since the 17th century, growing in usage as social interactions became more structured.
  • The prefix 'ob-' suggests opposition, while 'trudere' relates to pushing or thrusting, perfectly capturing the idea of unwelcome presence.

The term 'obtrude' comes from the Latin word 'obtrudere', where 'ob-' means 'against' and 'trudere' means 'to push'. This connotation of pushing against something emphasizes the unwelcome nature of the term. It evolved into English usage around the early 17th century, signifying the action of imposing or forcing oneself into a situation without invitation or welcome. Over the years, it retained the same rugged essence of intrusiveness, often being used to describe not just actions but also intrusive thoughts or behaviors that draw attention in a negative way. The modern form 'obtruding' has maintained this original meaning while also expanding to include a wider range of contexts, such as social interactions, environmental factors, and personal characteristics.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,233, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.