obtrude

verb

ob·​trude əb-ˈtrüd How to pronounce obtrude (audio)
äb-
obtruded; obtruding

transitive verb

1
: to thrust out : extrude
2
: to force or impose (oneself, one's ideas, etc.) without warrant or request

intransitive verb

: to become unduly prominent or interfering : intrude
obtruder noun

Examples of obtrude in a Sentence

The historical details in the movie do not obtrude—they enhance the story by making it more realistic. please stop obtruding in your brother's affairs
Recent Examples on the Web But a producing interest can obtrude on the artistic process by imposing artificial deadlines and prioritizing the needs of the theater over the work itself. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obtrude.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1575, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of obtrude was circa 1575

Dictionary Entries Near obtrude

Cite this Entry

“Obtrude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obtrude. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

obtrude

verb
ob·​trude əb-ˈtrüd How to pronounce obtrude (audio)
äb-
obtruded; obtruding
1
: to stick out
the tortoise obtruded its head
2
: to put forward without being asked
obtrude one's views

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