Intrusive
/ɪnˈtruːsɪv/
Definitions
2 meaningsCausing disruption or unwanted interference; tending to intrude on privacy.
/ɪnˈtruːsɪv/
Tending to intrude or invade; meddling.
Her constant questions about my personal life were incredibly intrusive.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone keeps butting into your conversations or looking at your phone without asking. Intrusive means they're being overly involved in something that isn't their business, and it can make you feel uncomfortable.
👶 For kids: Being nosy or sticking your nose where it doesn't belong.
More Examples
The government's surveillance programs were considered intrusive by many citizens.
Intrusive thoughts can interfere with daily functioning.
How It's Used
"The journalist's intrusive questions upset the family."
"Intrusive thoughts can be a symptom of anxiety."
"Intrusive advertising on websites can be annoying."
Involving the penetration of a body or the disruption of a natural environment.
/ɪnˈtruːsɪv/
Invasive
The intrusive nature of the disease meant it could be challenging to treat.
💡 Simply: If something goes inside of you or disrupts the environment, it's intrusive. For example, a medical procedure that involves entering your body.
👶 For kids: Going into something that is private or not supposed to be touched
More Examples
The invasive species of plant soon began to overtake the native species.
The intrusive procedure required a high level of skill
How It's Used
"Intrusive medical procedures require a breach of the skin."
"Invasive species threaten the native ecosystem"
Idioms & expressions
Intrusive thoughts
Unwanted and upsetting thoughts that repeatedly enter a person's mind.
"People with anxiety disorders often experience intrusive thoughts."
Intrusive questioning
Asking questions that are too personal or that pry into private matters.
"The reporter's intrusive questioning made the family uncomfortable."
From Late Latin *intrūsīvus*, from *intrūdere* ('to thrust in'), from *in-* ('in, into') + *trūdere* ('to thrust').
The word 'intrusive' has been used since the 17th century to describe actions that invade or interfere.
Memory tip
Imagine an *intruder* forcefully entering a home, the term describes similar behavior but in a figurative way.