WordGarden.ioobtrude
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɒbˈtruːd/verb
US
- /əbˈtrud/
Meanings
Verb
to force one's presence, ideas, or concerns on other people in an unwelcome way
to become noticeably present in an unwelcome way
Beyond the definition
Imagine you're enjoying a quiet moment with a friend when someone loudly interrupts your conversation—they've obtruded themselves into the situation. To obtrude means to force yourself or something else into a place or situation where you aren't wanted or needed, often in an annoying or disruptive way. A thought can also obtrude—like a worry that keeps popping into your head when you're trying to relax. It suggests a lack of consideration for others or the existing circumstances.
Think of it as something pushing its way in where it doesn't belong. You might try to avoid obtruding on a private moment, and politicians are often accused of obtruding their views into issues they know little about.
To obtrude means to thrust oneself or something unwelcome into the notice of others—often in a way that is disruptive, annoying, or inappropriate. It implies an intrusion that isn't invited or desired. For example, the sentence "He didn't mean to obtrude on their private conversation" suggests he unintentionally interrupted a private moment.
The word carries a sense of imposition and a lack of sensitivity. Something can obtrude physically—like a large, modern building blocking a historic view—but it often refers to more abstract intrusions. Unwanted thoughts or memories might obtrude into your consciousness, distracting you from the present moment. Similarly, a person's ego might obtrude into a group discussion, shifting the focus away from the topic at hand.
Historically, "obtrude" comes from the Latin word obtrudere, meaning "to thrust forward." This sense of forceful insertion is key to understanding its meaning. It is stronger than simply interrupting; it suggests a deliberate (or at least insensitive) pushing into someone else's space or experience.
You might say, "She tried not to obtrude her opinions into the discussion," meaning she refrained from forcing her views on others. Or, "The bright colors of the advertisement obtruded upon the peaceful landscape." Whether it is a physical presence, an unwelcome thought, or an unsolicited opinion, to obtrude is to push forward into a situation where you aren't wanted, disrupting the mood and causing annoyance.
Examples
- 1
Social restraint
I didn’t want to obtrude, so I waited outside until the meeting was over.
- 2
Polite concern
Please tell me if I’m obtruding on your time.
- Patternobtrude on someone’s time
take their time when it may not be welcome
- 3
Intrusive memory
Even during the party, the memory of the accident kept obtruding itself.
- 4
Architecture
The new glass tower obtrudes into the old city skyline.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Unwanted opinions
He has a habit of obtruding his opinions on everyone around him.
- Patternobtrude + opinion/idea on + person
push it on them when they have not asked for it
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- obtrudeverb
Forms
- obtrudedpast tenseverb
- obtrudesverb
- obtruding-ing formverb