incursion

/ɪnˈkɜːʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈkɜːrʒn/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈkər-zhən/ (ame, mw)

incursion — noun

  • incursionsingular
  • incursionsplural

1. a sudden, short military attack into another country's territory, usually across

1.名詞B2
釋義

a sudden, short military attack into another country's territory, usually across a recognized border

例句

Rebel fighters launched a brief incursion into the town of Marib before retreating at dawn.

incursion + into [place] for military raids

An armed incursion across the Mekong River was reported by Lao border guards this morning.

同義詞
  • invasion

    implies a larger-scale, longer-lasting attack, often aiming to take control of the whole territory

  • raid

    suggests a surprise attack for a specific purpose, with the attackers leaving quickly afterwards

  • foray

    less aggressive; can be used for a short, exploratory trip into enemy territory

反義詞
  • retreat

    the act of moving troops away from a dangerous area or back across a border

  • withdrawal

    a planned removal of military forces from a territory they had entered

文法句型

incursion + into [place]

incursion + across [border/geographic feature]

用法筆記

Frequently found in news reports about military conflicts. The noun is always paired with a verb such as 'launch', 'carry out', or 'report'; incursion itself is never used as a verb. Specify the target area with 'into' or 'across'.

常見錯誤

❌The army incursion the enemy camp.
✅The army launched an incursion into the enemy camp.
💡incursion is a noun, not a verb. Use 'launch/make/carry out an incursion.'

2. an unwanted or unexpected involvement in someone's private affairs or in an area

2.名詞C1
釋義

an unwanted or unexpected involvement in someone's private affairs or in an area that does not concern you

例句

The journalist's questions felt like an unwelcome incursion into Sofia's private family matters.

incursion + into [personal domain] for figurative use

Many residents viewed the new data-tracking law as an incursion on their personal freedoms.

同義詞
  • intrusion

    more common in everyday language; less formal than incursion, which carries a stronger sense of violation

  • encroachment

    suggests a gradual, creeping invasion of rights or territory rather than a sudden event

  • interference

    broader in meaning; can include unwelcome involvement without the same weight of violation

文法句型

incursion + into [personal/private area]

incursion + on [rights/freedoms]

用法筆記

Subject is typically an action, policy, question, or form of media attention that enters a person's private sphere. Distinguish from sense 1 (military): sense 2 never refers to physical territory. Common with possessive nouns ('an incursion on one's privacy').

常見錯誤

❌Her comment was an incursion.
✅Her comment was an incursion into my private life.
💡always specify which personal area is being intruded upon using 'into' or 'on.'
❌Using incursion to describe mild interruptions like a phone call during dinner.
✅Reserve for more serious or formal intrusions.