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invade

invade
Transitive Verb
past: invadedpp: invadeding: invading

This term carries a strong connotation of violation and aggression, regardless of whether the context is military, biological, or social. It suggests a breach of boundaries where the entering force is perceived as hostile, unwanted, or overwhelming, creating a sense of loss of control for the entity being entered.

In non-military usage, the word often describes a sudden, swarm-like influx that disrupts the normal order of a place or a mental state. While "enter" is neutral, "invade" implies an intrusive quality that transforms the space or state of mind into something chaotic or compromised.

Meanings

Transitive Verbinvade
[~ something]

To enter a country or region by force with an army in order to conquer or occupy it.

The allied forces planned to invade the island at dawn.

Transitive Verbinvade
[~ something]

To enter a place or a situation in large numbers, often in an unwelcome or intrusive manner.

Thousands of tourists invade the small coastal town every summer.

Transitive Verbinvade
[~ something]

To enter a space or a state of mind in an intrusive or overwhelming way.

A feeling of sudden panic began to invade her thoughts during the interview.

Transitive Verbinvade
[~ something]

To enter the body of an organism as a parasite or pathogen to cause infection.

Examples

History

Thousands of tourists invade the small coastal town every July.

Travel

The bacteria began to invade the bloodstream within hours.

Health

Stop trying to invade my privacy by reading my diary.

Dark thoughts continue to invade my mind whenever I am alone.

Fantasy

We cannot let the enemy invade our borders without a fight.

History

A swarm of insects started to invade the kitchen through the open window.

Phrasal Verbs

invade upon

to intrude on someone's privacy or personal space

I do not wish to invade upon your privacy, but I must ask where the documents are.

Related Words

Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error