invasion
UK: ɪnˈveɪʒ(ə)n | US: ɪnˈveɪʒən
n. the act of entering a place by force, often as part of an attack or military operation
n. the spread of something harmful or unwanted (e.g., invasive species)
n. an intrusion or encroachment (e.g., invasion of privacy)
The word "invasion" originates from Latin invasionem (nominative invasio), derived from invadere ("to go into, attack"). The morpheme in- means "into," while -vas- comes from vadere ("to go"), reflecting movement or forceful entry. The suffix -ion nominalizes the action, forming "invasion." Over time, its meaning expanded beyond military contexts to include metaphorical intrusions (e.g., privacy, ecosystems).
The Roman invasion of Britain began in 43 AD.
The sudden invasion of tourists overwhelmed the small town.
Invasive plants can cause ecological damage by outcompeting native species.
She felt an invasion of privacy when her diary was read without permission.
The software update prevented a cyber invasion of sensitive data.