invasive
UK: ɪnˈveɪsɪv | US: ɪnˈveɪsɪv
adj. tending to spread aggressively, often harmfully (e.g., plants, diseases)
adj. involving intrusion or unwanted interference
adj. (medical) requiring entry into the body (e.g., surgery)
invasive = in<into> + vas<go> + ive<adjective suffix>
- in (Latin in-): "into, inward"
- vas (Latin vadere): "to go, advance" (root seen in invade, evade)
- ive: suffix forming adjectives (e.g., active, destructive)
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin invadere ("to go into, attack"), invasive entered English in the 15th century via medical and ecological contexts. The root vas reflects movement, combining with in- to imply forceful entry—logically extending to describe encroaching species, intrusive actions, or medical procedures penetrating the body.
Invasive species like kudzu can overwhelm native ecosystems.
The journalist criticized the government’s invasive surveillance policies.
Endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure.
The plant’s invasive roots damaged the building’s foundation.
She felt the questions were too invasive and refused to answer.