Dictionary

obtrude

verb ob·trude \əb-ˈtrüd, äb-\

: to become involved with something or to become noticeable in an unpleasant or annoying way

ob·trud·edob·trud·ing

Full Definition of OBTRUDE

transitive verb

: to thrust out : extrude

: to force or impose (as oneself or one's ideas) without warrant or request

intransitive verb

: to become unduly prominent or interfering : intrude

— ob·trud·er noun

See obtrude defined for English-language learners

See obtrude defined for kids

Latin obtrudere to thrust at, from ob- in the way + trudere to thrust — more at ob-, threat

First Known Use: circa 1609

Synonyms: butt in, interlope, intermeddle, intrude, meddle, mess, muck (about or around), nose, interfere, poke, pry, snoop

Next Word in the Dictionary: obtruncatePrevious Word in the Dictionary: obtrectAll Words Near: obtrude

What made you want to look up obtrude? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears