WordGarden.iointerloper
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɪntəlˈəʊpə/
US
- /ˈɪntərˌloʊpər/
Meanings
Noun
a person who enters or becomes involved where they are not wanted or do not belong
Beyond the definition
Imagine a secret garden party, full of people who all know each other. Then you show up—uninvited! That's what it means to be an interloper. An interloper is someone who intrudes where they don't belong, often disrupting the established order. It suggests unwelcome interference or being out of place. Think of a fox sneaking into a henhouse—definitely an interloper!
The word carries a strong sense of disapproval; it's not just about being somewhere unexpected, but about being seen as unwanted. Historically, the term was used for rivals in business—people trying to force their way into a trade or market without a right to be there. You might call someone an interloper if they insert themselves into a private conversation where they have no place or invitation.
An interloper is a person who intrudes on the territory, property, or affairs of others—often without permission and usually in a way that's considered unwelcome or disruptive. It is more than just being an outsider; it implies actively forcing one's presence into a situation where they are not meant to be.
The word comes from the Dutch interlooper, originally referring to merchants who traded in territories where they did not have official permission—essentially, business trespassers. This history gives the word its lasting sense of unauthorized entry and unfair competition.
Today, "interloper" is used in a variety of contexts. It might describe someone crashing a private party ("He was an unwelcome interloper at the exclusive gathering"), interfering in a romantic relationship ("She saw him as an interloper trying to break them up"), or even entering a professional field where they lack experience or credentials ("A newcomer to the industry, he was seen by many as a corporate interloper").
The key is that the interloper isn't simply present—they are perceived as an intrusion. It carries a negative connotation of disruption and unwanted interference. If someone is stepping on toes and overstaying their welcome in a space that isn't theirs, they are the definition of an interloper.
Examples
- 1
Family dinner
I felt like an interloper at their family dinner, even though everyone was polite.
- 2
Workplace
The new consultant was treated as an interloper by the long-serving staff.
- 3
Local business
Local shop owners saw the large chain store as an interloper in the neighborhood.
- 4
Project role
She insisted she was no interloper; she had worked on the project from the beginning.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- meddler
- gatecrasher
- trespasser
Contrast
- insider
- welcome guest
Used with (collocations)
- unwanted interloper
- political interloper
- an interloper in a group
- treat someone as an interloper
Word family
- interlope
Explore
- social exclusion
- belonging
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- interlopernoun
Forms
- interloperspluralnoun