B2verb2K

Invade

UK /["/ɪnˈveɪd/","/ɪnˈveɪdz/","/ɪnˈveɪdɪd/","/ɪnˈveɪdɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɪnˈveɪd/","/ɪnˈveɪdz/","/ɪnˈveɪdɪd/","/ɪnˈveɪdɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to enter a country, town, etc. using military force in order to take control of it

In simple words: To enter a place violently and take control.

Examples

  • Troops invaded on August 9th that year.
  • When did the Romans invade Britain?
  • Demonstrators invaded the government buildings.
  • As the final whistle blew, fans began invading the pitch.
  • The cancer cells may invade other parts of the body.
  • Do the press have the right to **invade her privacy** in this way?
  • You feel tense with worrying thoughts constantly invading your sleep.

Usage notes

Use 'invade' in contexts of war or when discussing unwanted entry. It's not appropriate for casual conversations unless metaphorically.

Grammar pattern

invade + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'in-vade' — imagine someone breaking in and taking over a space.

Collocations

  • invade a country
  • invade privacy
  • invade a space

Synonyms

  • occupy
  • attack
  • assail
  • storm
  • intrude

Antonyms

  • retreat
  • withdraw
  • evacuate

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'invincible' (unbeatable).
  • Used inappropriately for non-violent situations.
  • Incorrectly saying 'invades on' instead of 'invades'.