intrude

Everyday

1. To intrude is to go into a place or join a situation where you are not wanted or not invited. tree →
2. To intrude on something is to disturb it or spoil it: the noise intruded on our peace. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday manners: «Sorry to intrude, but…» is a polite way to interrupt. In safety: an intruder is someone who enters a home or school without permission. It tells the reader someone is crossing a boundary.

Examples

• I'm sorry to intrude, but your mum is on the phone. tree →
• Please don't intrude when someone is praying. tree →
• We felt we were intruding on a private family moment. tree →
• The traffic noise intruded on our picnic. tree →
• Reporters should not intrude on people's grief. tree →
• A fox intruded into the hen house. tree →
• Then a Stag intruded into his domain and shared his pasture. tree →

Note

Noun: intrusion; person: intruder; adjective: intrusive. Usually followed by «on», «upon» or «into». Polite phrase: «I hope I'm not intruding.»