Hack vs Intrude

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Hack

Informal Top 1,000 (very common)

Intrude

Top 3,000 (common)

Most formal: Intrude Most common: Hack

	Hack	Intrude
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 //hæk// 🇺🇸 //hæk//	🇬🇧 //ɪnˈtruːd// 🇺🇸 //ɪnˈtrud//
Meaning	To break into a computer system or to modify something skillfully.	To enter a place or situation where you are not wanted.
Example	The security team worked to prevent anyone from trying to hack the database.	He didn't mean to intrude, but he overheard their conversation.
Register	Informal	Neutral
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Top 3,000 (common)
Collocations	hack into a computer, life hack, hack a game, hack someone's account, hack the system	intrude on someone's space, intrude into someone's life, intrude upon privacy, intrude in a conversation, intrude into a situation
Antonyms	secure, protect, defend	respect, avoid, leave alone
Common mistakes	Confused with 'hacking' as only illegal activity., Using 'hack' as a noun without clarifying the context., Mixing up 'hack' with 'crack' regarding unauthorized access.	Used incorrectly as 'intrusion' instead of 'intrude'., Confusing 'intrude' with 'interrupt'., Omitting the preposition 'on' or 'upon' after 'intrude'.
Usage notes	Commonly used in tech contexts. Avoid using in formal writing. Can be used positively (creatively) or negatively (illegally).	Use 'intrude' when discussing unwanted entry or disruption, typically in social or private contexts.

See it in real clips

... where we broadcast our pirate signal and hack into the Matrix.

Hack

I didn't mean to intrude. It's just that I've never seen you in here before.

Intrude

Frequently asked questions: Hack vs Intrude

What's the difference between Hack and Intrude?

Hack: To break into a computer system or to modify something skillfully. Intrude: To enter a place or situation where you are not wanted.

Which is more formal: Hack and Intrude?

Intrude is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Hack and Intrude?

Hack is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Hack: The security team worked to prevent anyone from trying to hack the database. Intrude: He didn't mean to intrude, but he overheard their conversation.

Can I use Hack and Intrude interchangeably?

Not always. Hack and Intrude are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.