Definition

An act of interfering or intruding into a space or situation where one is not welcome.

Example

The obtrusion of the new building into the historic district caused a lot of controversy.

Conversation

I feel like there's been an obtrusion of personal space lately at work.

Yeah, I noticed that too; it's making everyone uncomfortable.

It's strange how some people just don't seem to understand boundaries.

Totally! We should probably talk to HR about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Obtrusion is formed from "ob-" (meaning against) and "trudere" (meaning to push). The word describes the act of pushing something against or into something else, often in an unwelcome or intrusive manner.

Memory Tip

Think of something being 'pushed against' ('ob-') something else — that's why obtrusion means an unwelcome push or intrusion.

Visually Confused Words