intruder

/ɪnˈtruː.dər/ (bre, ipa) · [ˌɪntrˈudɚ] /ɪnˈtruː.dɚ/ (ame, ipa) · [ˌɪntrˈudɚ] /-də(r)/ (ame, mw)

intruder — noun

  • intrudersingular
  • intrudersplural

1. a person who goes into a private place or joins a situation without being welcom

1.名詞B2
釋義

a person who goes into a private place or joins a situation without being welcome there

例句

The children froze when an intruder stepped into their tree house.

intruder entering a private place

Security asked the intruder to leave the backstage area before the concert began.

ask an intruder to leave

同義詞
  • interloper

    stresses entering a group or situation where the person does not belong

  • outsider

    is broader and does not always suggest entry without permission

  • unwelcome guest

    fits social situations more than criminal ones

反義詞
  • guest

    someone who has been welcomed or invited

文法句型

feel like an intruder

treat someone as an intruder

用法筆記

Often refers to someone who has entered a private place or moment without being welcome. With feel like, it can describe a speaker who senses they do not belong in a conversation or situation.

常見錯誤

❌The police found the intrusion in the garage.
✅The police found the intruder in the garage.
💡intruder is the person, while intrusion is the act of entering.

2. a person who gets into a building or other property illegally, usually intending

2.名詞B2
釋義

a person who gets into a building or other property illegally, usually intending to steal or harm someone

例句

An intruder smashed the kitchen window and searched the house for cash.

intruder during a break-in

Niran called the police after spotting an intruder near the bedroom door.

spot an intruder inside a home

同義詞
  • trespasser

    legal term for someone on property without permission, even without criminal intent

  • burglar

    more specific because it usually means someone entering to steal

  • home invader

    stronger and more violent, especially for entering a home

反義詞
  • resident

    a person who belongs in the building or property

文法句型

catch an intruder

an intruder broke into [place]

用法筆記

Common in reports about homes, offices, and other protected spaces. Unlike sense 1, this sense strongly suggests unlawful entry and possible crime.

常見錯誤

❌A stranger knocked on the door, so he was an intruder.
✅A stranger knocked on the door, but he was not necessarily an intruder.
💡sense 2 suggests unlawful entry or criminal intent, not simply being unknown.