Definition of the word intruder

The word "intruder" has a fascinating etymology. It originated in the 15th century from the Latin words "intro," meaning "to go into," and "durare," meaning "to last" or "to remain." Initially, an "intruder" referred to someone who entered a place unexpectedly or without permission, such as a thief or a trespasser. Over time, the meaning expanded to include anyone who unexpectedly or unwantedly entered someone's life, including an unwanted visitor or a person who disrupts a social event. In modern English, the term typically connotes a sense of unwantedness, disturbance, or even danger. Despite its evolution, the core idea remains the same: an intruder is someone who disrupts the normal flow of events or enters a space without being invited or welcomed.