Definition

A person who intrudes into a place or situation where they are not wanted, often interfering with others' activities for their own benefit.

Example

The interloper tried to join the private meeting without an invitation.

Conversation

Did you see that new guy at the park yesterday?

Yeah, he seemed like an interloper just wandering around.

I know, right? It felt like he was intruding on everyone’s space.

Totally! I wonder if he’ll come back again.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Interloper → It is formed from "inter-" (meaning between) and "loper" (from Middle Dutch *loper*, meaning one who runs or moves). The word describes someone who moves between or intrudes into a space where they are not welcome.

Memory Tip

Think of someone 'moving between' ('inter-') places where they don't belong — that's why an interloper is someone who intrudes.

Visually Confused Words