intrusion
unwanted involvement or invasion
The act of going into someone’s space, life, or private matters when they do not want you there.
an intrusion into [someone's] [privacy/life/space]
- They regarded the hidden cameras as a serious intrusion into their private lives.
- She finds constant phone calls from journalists an intrusion on her peace and quiet.
- Many people see targeted online ads as an unacceptable intrusion into their personal data.
- The open-plan office can feel like an intrusion into employees’ sense of personal space.
- He apologized for the intrusion and quickly stepped out of the room.
- The loud music from next door is an intrusion into my quiet evening.
- Paparazzi are often criticized for their intrusion into the lives of famous people.
- I am sorry for the intrusion, but I need to ask you a question.
- She felt the questions about her family were an intrusion into her privacy.
unauthorized entry or break-in
When someone gets into a place or computer system without permission.
an intrusion into [a place/system]
- The company installed new software to detect any intrusion into its computer network.
- Police are investigating a late-night intrusion at the warehouse.
- The alarm system is designed to alert staff to any intrusion through the front or back doors.
- After the data intrusion, customers were warned to change their passwords immediately.
- Sensors along the fence will trigger an alert in the event of an intrusion.
- The camera can record any intrusion into the building at night.
- The bank uses special software to stop intrusion into its computers.
- There was an intrusion at the office, but nothing was stolen.
- The guard checks the doors every hour to prevent intrusion.
igneous body in older rock
In geology, rock that was once hot liquid (magma) and moved into older rock under the ground, then became solid there.
an intrusion of [magma/igneous rock] into [rock/formation]
- The granite intrusion can be clearly seen cutting across the surrounding sedimentary layers.
- Radiometric dating of the intrusion suggests that the magma solidified around 120 million years ago.
- The mining company is interested in the intrusion because it may host valuable mineral deposits.
- A later basaltic intrusion altered the older sandstone through heat and pressure.
- The map shows several small igneous intrusions scattered through the region.
- The students studied an igneous intrusion in the cliff face.
- This intrusion formed when hot magma moved into the older rock.
- The intrusion cooled slowly under the ground and became solid.
- Many mineral veins are found near this large intrusion.
insertion of an extra sound
In language study, when a speaker adds an extra sound between sounds or words when speaking.
intrusion of [a sound] between [sounds/words]
- The lecturer used the phrase "law and order" to demonstrate /r/ intrusion in some accents of English.
- Intrusion often occurs in fast, connected speech, making extra sounds appear between words.
- The study focuses on vowel intrusion in the speech of bilingual children.
- Some English accents show intrusion of an /r/ sound between words.
- Intrusion can make two words sound like one long word.
- Teachers sometimes explain intrusion when they teach connected speech.
- Base: intrusion
- Plural: intrusion, intrusions
an intrusion into someone's privacy
1unwanted invasion of privacy
A situation where someone looks into or gets involved in another person’s private life or personal information when that person does not want it.
- Many people see constant online tracking as an intrusion into their privacy.
- The judge ruled that publishing the photos was an intrusion into the singer’s privacy.
- She refused to answer the question, calling it an intrusion into her privacy.
intrusion detection system
1system that detects security breaches
A special computer program or device that watches a network or computer and sends a warning if someone tries to get in without permission.
- The company installed an intrusion detection system to monitor traffic on its internal network.
- An effective intrusion detection system can quickly alert administrators to possible cyberattacks.
- They upgraded their intrusion detection system after a serious data breach last year.
noise intrusion
1unwanted outside noise entering
Noise from outside that comes into a room or building and bothers people.
- Double-glazed windows help reduce noise intrusion from the street.
- The report found that noise intrusion from aircraft was affecting children’s sleep.
- We need better insulation to cut down on noise intrusion in these apartments.
sorry for the intrusion
1apologizing for disturbing someone
A polite way to say you are sorry when you disturb someone by coming in, calling, or joining a conversation.
- Sorry for the intrusion, but could I speak to you for a minute?
- He opened the door slightly and said, "Sorry for the intrusion," before stepping inside.
- Sorry for the intrusion; I didn’t realize you were in a meeting.
unwarranted intrusion
1intrusion without good reason
An intrusion that is not fair, not needed, or not supported by law or facts.
- The committee called the surprise inspection an unwarranted intrusion by the central government.
- Residents complained that the cameras were an unwarranted intrusion into their daily lives.
- He argued that the new rules were an unwarranted intrusion on academic freedom.