B2noun5K

Invasion

UK /["/ɪnˈveɪʒn/"]/US /["/ɪnˈveɪʒn/"]/

Definition

the act of an army entering another country by force in order to take control of it

In simple words: When a place is taken over by force

Examples

  • the German invasion of Poland in 1939
  • the threat of invasion
  • an **invasion force/fleet**
  • Latest reports are of a full-scale military invasion.
  • The UN resolution condemned the invasion of the country.
  • The invasion force comprised 3 000–5 000 heavily armed troops.
  • the annual tourist invasion
  • Farmers are struggling to cope with an invasion of slugs.
  • Robberies and home invasions are grim facts of daily life.
  • The singer described the photographs of her as an **invasion of privacy**.

Usage notes

Used in both military and metaphorical contexts, such as an invasion of privacy. Not appropriate in casual conversations unless discussing specific events.

Grammar pattern

invasion + of + place

Memory hint

Think of 'in' and 'vision' — imagine seeing an army entering a city.

Collocations

  • full-scale
  • military
  • amphibious
  • carry out
  • launch
  • mount
  • fleet
  • force
  • an invasion of privacy
  • fear of invasion
  • a threat of invasion
  • full-scale
  • military
  • amphibious
  • carry out
  • launch
  • mount
  • fleet
  • force
  • an invasion of privacy
  • fear of invasion
  • a threat of invasion
  • full-scale
  • military
  • amphibious
  • carry out
  • launch
  • mount
  • fleet
  • force
  • an invasion of privacy
  • fear of invasion
  • a threat of invasion

Synonyms

  • attack
  • incursion
  • assault
  • encroachment
  • raid

Antonyms

  • retreat
  • peace
  • withdrawal

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'incursion' which is smaller in scale.
  • Using it as a verb instead of a noun.