obtrusion
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
The act of imposing oneself or one's ideas on others in an unwelcome or intrusive manner.
The state or fact of being forced upon someone's attention, or something that protrudes or sticks out.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Obtrusion carries a negative connotation, implying an unwanted or unwarranted intrusion. It differs from mere 'intrusion' by suggesting an active, assertive, and often clumsy or insensitive forcing of presence or opinion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both varieties use the term in the same formal contexts.
Connotations
Identical negative connotations of imposition and unwelcome interference.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, used primarily in formal writing or sophisticated speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
obtrusion of [something] on/upon [someone/something]obtrusion into [an area/situation]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Forgive the obtrusion, but... (formal/apologetic preamble to an interruption)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The manager's frequent obtrusion into team meetings undermined the project lead's authority.
Academic
The paper criticized the obtrusion of political ideology into scientific methodology.
Everyday
She felt his constant advice was a real obtrusion into her personal life.
Technical
In architecture, the obtrusion of the support beam disrupted the clean lines of the façade.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Please do not obtrude your personal views into this official enquiry.
- The garish sign obtruded upon the historic townscape.
American English
- He tends to obtrude himself into conversations where he isn't welcome.
- The new policy obtrudes on individual freedoms.
adverb
British English
- The statue was placed obtrusively in the middle of the path.
- He stood obtrusively close during the discussion.
American English
- The logo was stamped obtrusively across the artwork.
- She obtrusively checked her phone throughout the dinner.
adjective
British English
- His obtrusive questioning made everyone uncomfortable.
- They removed the obtrusive security camera for aesthetic reasons.
American English
- She found his laughter loud and obtrusive during the film.
- The obtrusive packaging was difficult to open.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His constant advice felt like an obtrusion.
- Forgive the obtrusion, but I must ask you a question.
- The journalist was accused of an obtrusion into the family's private grief.
- The design flaw was the obtrusion of a structural beam into the living space.
- She resented the obtrusion of commercial interests upon the academic conference.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone OBviously pushing TRUe opinions ON you against your will.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL SPACE IS PHYSICAL SPACE (invading/forcing into someone's social or mental space).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'навязывание' which is more 'imposition'. 'Obtrusion' focuses more on the *act* of intrusively forcing something into a space/attention. Closer to 'вторжение' (intrusion) with added forcefulness.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'obtrusion' (the act) with 'obtrusiveness' (the quality). Using it in informal contexts where 'interference' or 'intrusion' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'obtrusion' used most appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Intrusion' is the broader term for entering a space uninvited. 'Obtrusion' is a more forceful, assertive, and often clumsily obvious subtype of intrusion, where something is actively thrust upon attention.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. In everyday conversation, 'intrusion', 'interference', or 'imposition' are far more common.
Yes, while primarily social/psychological, it can describe a physical thing that protrudes or sticks out in an unwelcome or awkward way, especially in technical or architectural contexts.
'Obtrude' is the action. 'Obtrusive' describes the quality of being noticeable in an unwelcome way. 'Obtrusion' is the noun for the act or instance of obtruding.