Intrusive

Intrusive is an adjective used to describe someone or something that invades or interferes with someone else’s space, privacy, or affairs without invitation or permission. Intrusive behavior can be seen as inappropriate, pushy, or even threatening, depending on the situation. Here are 10 sentences to help clarify the meaning of the word:

1. The intrusive paparazzi wouldn’t leave the celebrity alone, even when she asked them to.
2. My neighbor’s loud music and constant parties are very intrusive and disturb my peace.
3. The government’s intrusive surveillance program raised concerns about privacy violations.
4. Her intrusive questions about my personal life made me feel uncomfortable.
5. I don’t like when salespeople are too intrusive and won’t take “no” for an answer.
6. The therapist’s intrusive probing into my past was unsettling but ultimately helpful.
7. The company’s intrusive use of cookies and tracking data raised privacy concerns.
8. His intrusive touching made me feel unsafe and violated my boundaries.
9. The teacher’s intrusive micromanaging of the students stifled creativity and independence.
10. The new security measures felt intrusive and made many people uncomfortable.

Synonyms:

• Invasive
• Interfering
• Meddlesome
• Pushy
• Obtrusive
• Nosy
• Prying
• Trespassing
• Interrupting
• Disturbing

Invasive

Invasive refers to actions or behaviors that intrude upon or disturb a space or situation, often in a way that is unwelcome or harmful.

• The invasive behavior of the salesperson made the customer uncomfortable.
• The invasive species threatened to take over the local ecosystem, disrupting the balance.
• The journalist’s invasive questioning crossed personal boundaries and angered the celebrity.

Interfering

Interfering refers to getting involved in a situation or activity where one is not wanted, often causing disruption.

• Stop interfering in their relationship; they can work things out themselves.
• His interfering attitude made it difficult for others to complete their tasks.
• She kept interfering with the project despite not being part of the team.

Meddlesome

Meddlesome refers to someone who frequently gets involved in other people’s business or activities in an intrusive and annoying way.

• Her meddlesome nature led her to constantly interfere in her friend’s personal affairs.
• The meddlesome coworker kept offering advice on projects that were not her responsibility.
• They complained about the meddlesome neighbor who was always prying into their lives.

Pushy

Pushy refers to someone who is overly assertive or insistent, often to the point of being obnoxious or rude.

• He was so pushy in trying to sell his product that it made customers uncomfortable.
• The pushy salesperson wouldn’t take no for an answer, despite the customer’s objections.
• She found his pushy behavior overwhelming, as he constantly pressured her to make decisions.

Obtrusive

Obtrusive refers to something or someone that is noticeably intrusive or unwelcome, often in a way that distracts or disrupts.

• The obtrusive decorations in the restaurant made it difficult for diners to relax.
• His obtrusive questions about her private life made her feel uneasy.
• The obtrusive nature of the loud music made it impossible to concentrate.

Nosy

Nosy refers to someone who is overly interested in other people’s affairs, often in an intrusive or unwelcome way.

• She was so nosy, always asking about things that didn’t concern her.
• His nosy attitude made everyone avoid talking about personal matters in front of him.
• The nosy neighbor kept peeking through the window to see who was visiting.

Prying

Prying refers to trying to learn or find out about someone’s private affairs, often in an intrusive or disrespectful way.

• The journalist was prying into the celebrity’s private life for a sensational story.
• Stop prying into my personal business; it’s none of your concern.
• She felt uncomfortable as her friend kept prying into her recent breakup.

Trespassing

Trespassing refers to entering someone else’s property or space without permission, often unlawfully.

• The group of teenagers was caught trespassing on private property, and the police were called.
• Trespassing in someone’s home without permission is illegal and can lead to serious consequences.
• He was fined for trespassing on a restricted area while exploring the abandoned building.

Interrupting

Interrupting refers to the act of breaking into someone else’s conversation or activity, often before they have finished or without permission.

• She was frustrated with him constantly interrupting during their discussion.
• It’s rude to interrupt others when they’re speaking, especially in formal settings.
• The teacher asked the student not to interrupt while the lesson was in progress.

Disturbing

Disturbing refers to actions or behaviors that disrupt or upset the peace, often causing discomfort or unease.

• The disturbing noise from the construction site kept everyone awake.
• His disturbing comments about the tragedy made the room go silent.
• It was disturbing to see how upset she was after hearing the news.

Antonyms:

• Respectful
• Considerate
• Polite
• Unobtrusive
• Non-interfering
• Unintrusive
• Discreet
• Sensible
• Appropriate
• Acceptable

Respectful

Respectful refers to showing consideration and regard for others, their feelings, and their rights.

• He was always respectful to his colleagues, listening to their opinions before responding.
• It’s important to be respectful when interacting with people from different cultures.
• She gave a respectful nod to the speaker, acknowledging his ideas.

Considerate

Considerate refers to being thoughtful and showing care for the feelings and needs of others.

• He was very considerate, always making sure that everyone was comfortable during meetings.
• She made a considerate gesture by bringing flowers to her friend who was feeling unwell.
• It’s considerate to help an elderly person carry their bags when you see them struggling.

Polite

Polite refers to displaying good manners, showing respect for others through courteous behavior.

• He was polite to everyone he met, greeting them with a smile and kind words.
• Being polite in formal settings is essential for maintaining professionalism.
• She was always polite, never interrupting others during their conversations.

Unobtrusive

Unobtrusive refers to being discreet, not drawing attention to oneself or being overly noticeable in a way that disrupts others.

• His unobtrusive presence allowed others to speak freely without feeling judged.
• The waiter was unobtrusive, serving the food without interrupting the conversation.
• She appreciated the unobtrusive design of the furniture, which blended seamlessly into the room.

Non-Interfering

Non-interfering refers to allowing things to happen without getting involved or causing disruption.

• The teacher was non-interfering, giving the students space to complete their projects independently.
• He took a non-interfering approach, letting his team make decisions without imposing his opinions.
• Her non-interfering attitude made her a supportive friend, always there when needed but never pushing.

Unintrusive

Unintrusive refers to not being invasive or disruptive, allowing people or situations to proceed without interruption.

• The unintrusive background music helped create a relaxed atmosphere at the café.
• He was an unintrusive guest, quietly observing without causing any disruption.
• The unintrusive design of the product made it fit seamlessly into the user’s daily routine.

Discreet

Discreet refers to being careful and prudent in speech or behavior, especially to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.

• She was discreet when talking about her friend’s sensitive situation, ensuring her privacy.
• The lawyer was discreet about the details of the case to protect his client’s reputation.
• It’s important to be discreet when handling confidential information at work.

Sensible

Sensible refers to showing good judgment or wisdom in making decisions or responding to situations.

• She made a sensible decision to save money for her future instead of spending recklessly.
• It was a sensible suggestion to take a break after working for several hours straight.
• His sensible approach to problem-solving earned him the respect of his peers.

Appropriate

Appropriate refers to something that is suitable or fitting for a particular situation or context.

• It’s important to wear appropriate clothing when attending formal events.
• Her comments were appropriate for the occasion, respectful of the subject matter.
• The manager’s actions were appropriate given the urgency of the situation.

Acceptable

Acceptable refers to something that meets the necessary standards or is deemed satisfactory in a given context.

• His performance on the project was acceptable, though there were a few areas for improvement.
• The restaurant’s service was acceptable, but the food quality could have been better.
• It’s important to ensure that your behavior is acceptable in a professional setting to maintain good relationships.

Related Words:

• Invasion
• Intrusion
• Interference
• Meddling
• Intervention
• Interjection
• Trespass
• Impingement
• Imposition
• Encroachment

Invasion

Invasion refers to the act of entering a place or space forcefully or uninvited, often with the intent to take control or disrupt.

• The invasion of privacy was evident when the journalist published personal details without consent.
• The country faced an invasion from a foreign army, threatening national security.
• The technological invasion of social media platforms has drastically altered communication.

Intrusion

Intrusion refers to the act of entering a place, space, or situation without permission, often causing disruption or discomfort.

• The intrusion of noisy neighbors made it difficult to concentrate on studying.
• Her intrusion into the meeting disrupted the flow of conversation.
• The camera’s intrusion into the family’s private moments was criticized as unethical.

Interference

Interference refers to the act of interrupting or meddling in a situation, often hindering progress or causing unwanted disruption.

• His interference in the project caused delays and confusion among the team members.
• The referee penalized the player for interference during the game.
• Their interference in the decision-making process created unnecessary tension.

Meddling

Meddling refers to unnecessarily interfering in others’ business or matters, often in an unwanted or harmful way.

• She was accused of meddling in her friend’s personal relationships without being asked.
• His meddling behavior at work made him unpopular with his colleagues.
• The teacher warned him against meddling in his classmates’ assignments.

Intervention

Intervention refers to the act of stepping into a situation to alter or stop an outcome, often for a positive or necessary reason.

• The government’s intervention helped stabilize the economy during the crisis.
• A timely intervention by the doctor saved the patient’s life.
• She felt grateful for the intervention of her friend when she was about to make a poor decision.

Interjection

An interjection is a sudden, short exclamation or remark made in response to an emotion or event, often interrupting a conversation.

• “Wow!” was his interjection after seeing the breathtaking view.
• Her interjection interrupted the speaker, but it was a valid point.
• He made a loud interjection during the debate, which shifted the direction of the conversation.

Trespass

Trespass refers to the act of entering someone’s property or space without permission, often unlawfully.

• He was caught trespassing on private property and asked to leave immediately.
• The no-trespassing sign clearly marked the boundaries of the land.
• Trespassing into restricted areas could result in severe legal consequences.

Impingement

Impingement refers to something that has a negative effect or intrusion on something else, especially when causing discomfort or obstruction.

• The impingement of new policies on the workers’ rights led to protests.
• The impingement of the tree branches over the sidewalk made it difficult to walk.
• Chronic impingement of the nerves in her back caused constant pain.

Imposition

Imposition refers to the act of forcing something on someone, often in an unfair or burdensome way.

• His imposition of strict rules on the team created a stifling atmosphere.
• The imposition of higher taxes angered the citizens, leading to widespread protests.
• She felt the imposition of additional work during the holidays was unfair.

Encroachment

Encroachment refers to gradually intruding or advancing into another’s territory, often without permission or in a damaging way.

• The encroachment of urban development into rural areas has led to habitat loss for many species.
• His encroachment on her personal space made her uncomfortable.
• The encroachment of foreign companies into local markets raised concerns among domestic businesses.

Phrasal Verbs:

• Intrude on
• intrude upon
• Barge in
• Butt in
• Cut in
• Horn in
• Poke nose in
• Snoop around
• Pry into
• Meddle with
• Interfere in

Intrude On

To intrude on something means to enter or interfere in a space, activity, or situation where one is not invited, often causing disruption or discomfort.

• He felt uncomfortable when his colleague intruded on his conversation with a client.
• Don’t intrude on their meeting; they need privacy to discuss important matters.
• The guest intruded on their private dinner by arriving uninvited.

Intrude Upon

To intrude upon means to disturb or invade someone’s time, space, or privacy, often in an unwanted manner.

• She intruded upon his personal space by asking questions he wasn’t ready to answer.
• Their loud conversation intruded upon the peaceful atmosphere of the park.
• His decision to intrude upon her personal affairs made her upset.

Barge In

To barge in means to enter a room, conversation, or situation abruptly and without permission, often in an inconsiderate way.

• He barged in on their meeting without knocking, causing a disturbance.
• She was frustrated when her brother barged in on her private conversation.
• The boss barged in and interrupted the discussion, demanding answers immediately.

Butt In

To butt in means to interrupt or interfere in someone else’s conversation or activity, typically without being invited or without considering if it’s appropriate.

• He couldn’t stop butting in during the meeting, making it difficult to get any work done.
• Stop butting in on their argument; they can solve it without your help.
• She butted in on the conversation, giving advice when no one asked for it.

Cut In

To cut in means to interrupt a conversation or activity, often in a rude or sudden manner.

• She cut in during the discussion to give her opinion, even though it wasn’t her turn to speak.
• His sudden cut-in during the game caused confusion among the players.
• Don’t cut in on their conversation; wait until they’re finished talking.

Horn In

To horn in means to forcefully or unwelcome intrude on a situation, often disrupting the flow or dynamics of the event or conversation.

• She tried to horn in on their plans for the weekend, despite not being invited.
• The new colleague began to horn in on the project, although he was not part of the team.
• He was upset when his neighbor tried to horn in on his private conversation with his friend.

Poke Nose In

To poke one’s nose in means to intrusively interfere or try to learn about something that does not concern them.

• He always pokes his nose in other people’s affairs, even when they ask him not to.
• Stop poking your nose in my business; it’s not for you to know.
• She poked her nose in the meeting and started giving opinions on things she knew little about.

Snoop Around

To snoop around means to secretly look for information or investigate something that one is not meant to know about.

• He was caught snooping around the office, looking through confidential files.
• She didn’t like how her coworker kept snooping around her desk for personal items.
• Snoop around all you want, but you won’t find any secrets in my apartment.

Pry Into

To pry into means to ask intrusive or personal questions, or try to gather information that is not meant to be shared.

• Stop prying into her personal life; it’s not your business.
• He pried into his friend’s relationship, asking personal questions that made her uncomfortable.
• She didn’t like how the journalist kept prying into her private affairs.

Meddle With

To meddle with means to interfere with something, often in a way that causes disruption or damage.

• He was told not to meddle with the equipment unless he was trained to use it.
• Stop meddling with their relationship; it’s between them, not you.
• She didn’t want anyone to meddle with her plans for the future.

Interfere In

To interfere in means to get involved in something where one is not wanted, often causing disruption or problems.

• It’s important to respect boundaries and not interfere in matters that don’t concern you.
• He tried to interfere in their project, even though he had no expertise in the subject.
• She was angry when her friend interfered in her decision to move to another city.

Idioms:

• Nosey parker
• Stick one’s nose in
• Mind one’s own business
• Push one’s luck
• Butt out
• Put one’s foot down
• Cross the line
• Overstep one’s bounds
• Be in one’s face
• Step on someone’s toes

Nosey Parker

A “nosey parker” is a person who is overly inquisitive or prying, often into matters that do not concern them.

• She’s such a nosey parker, always asking about things that are none of her business.
• My neighbor is a real nosey parker; she’s always peeking through her curtains when someone walks by.
• He doesn’t like talking to the office nosey parker because she keeps asking about his personal life.

Stick One’s Nose In

To “stick one’s nose in” means to get involved in something that does not concern them, often in an unwelcome or inappropriate manner.

• He always sticks his nose in other people’s arguments, even when they don’t ask for his opinion.
• I wish she wouldn’t stick her nose in my personal matters; it’s really frustrating.
• Stop sticking your nose in our family affairs; this is a private conversation.

Mind One’s Own Business

To “mind one’s own business” means to refrain from interfering in or getting involved in matters that are not one’s concern.

• She told her colleague to mind his own business and stop asking about her weekend plans.
• I would appreciate it if you’d just mind your own business instead of trying to fix my problems.
• He was reminded to mind his own business and let the family handle their personal matters.

Push One’s Luck

To “push one’s luck” means to continue to take risks or act in a way that could lead to negative consequences, often after already achieving a favorable outcome.

• He decided to push his luck and asked for a raise after only a month on the job.
• Don’t push your luck by continuing to break the rules; you might get caught.
• She pushed her luck by arriving late to work every day, thinking her boss wouldn’t notice.

Butt Out

To “butt out” means to stop interfering or getting involved in something that does not concern you.

• He told his colleague to butt out of his personal business and mind her own affairs.
• She didn’t appreciate her friend’s unsolicited advice and asked her to butt out.
• If you don’t have anything useful to contribute, you should just butt out.

Put One’s Foot Down

To “put one’s foot down” means to assert authority or make a firm decision, often to stop something from happening.

• The teacher put her foot down when the students began misbehaving in class.
• He had to put his foot down and tell them that their behavior was unacceptable.
• After weeks of negotiation, the manager finally put his foot down and insisted on a deadline.

Cross the Line

To “cross the line” means to behave inappropriately or to violate a boundary, often beyond what is acceptable.

• His comment about her appearance crossed the line and made everyone uncomfortable.
• I think you’ve crossed the line by making personal attacks; keep it professional.
• When he started discussing their private relationship, he definitely crossed the line.

Overstep One’s Bounds

To “overstep one’s bounds” means to exceed the limits of what is appropriate, acceptable, or allowed in a particular situation.

• He overstepped his bounds by trying to make decisions for the entire team without consulting anyone.
• She overstepped her bounds by giving her opinion on her friend’s private life.
• The employee overstepped his bounds when he began questioning the boss’s authority.

Be In One’s Face

To “be in one’s face” means to be overly aggressive or intrusive, often causing discomfort by not respecting personal space.

• She didn’t like how her colleague was always in her face, trying to get her to do more work.
• The salesperson was in my face as soon as I walked in, which made me want to leave.
• Stop being in my face with all these questions; give me some space to think.

Step on Someone’s Toes

To “step on someone’s toes” means to interfere with or disturb someone’s territory, often unintentionally, which can lead to conflict.

• He accidentally stepped on his colleague’s toes by suggesting changes to a project she was handling.
• You’ve stepped on my toes by making decisions without consulting me first.
• She didn’t mean to step on her friend’s toes, but her comments about her relationship were a bit too much.