protrude
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /prəˈtruːd/
KK: /prəˈtruːd/
intransitive verb
Definition
To stick out or extend beyond a surface or boundary.
Example
The branches of the tree protrude over the fence.
Tense Forms
Past: protruded
Past Participle: protruded
Conversation
Have you seen that rock formation over there?
Yeah, it’s really interesting how some rocks protrude like that.
I wonder how long it took for them to form like this.
Probably millions of years — nature is amazing!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bulge
extend
stick
Antonyms
recede
sink
subside
transitive verb
Definition
To stick out or extend beyond a surface or boundary.
Example
The tree branches protrude over the fence.
Tense Forms
Past: protruded
Past Participle: protruded
Conversation
Did you notice how some rocks protrude from the cliffside?
Yeah, it looks pretty cool and dangerous at the same time.
I wonder how long they've been protrudeing like that.
Root Explanation
Protrude → It is formed from "pro-" (meaning forward) and "trudere" (meaning to push or thrust). The word describes something that is pushed or thrust forward from a surface.
Memory Tip
Think of something being 'pushed forward' — 'pro-' means forward, and 'trudere' means to push.
Visually Confused Words
preobtrude
unprotruded
retrude
obtrude