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noun B1 Intermediate Common

invasion

ihn-VAY-zhuhn

Invasion (noun) means a military attack in which armed forces enter another territory to conquer or control it. Example: “The invasion began with a wave of airstrikes.”

noun
1
A military attack in which armed forces enter another territory to conquer or control it.
"The invasion began with a wave of airstrikes."
2
An unwanted entry into a person's private space or affairs.
"She called the paparazzi photos an invasion of privacy."

How to Use Invasion

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA forceful, unwanted entry — by an army into a country, or into someone's privacy.

Common pairings
military invasion invasion of privacy launch an invasion

Word Forms

invasions plural

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Test yourself on “invasion” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

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The _____ began with a wave of airstrikes.

Etymology

From Late Latin invāsiō, from invādō, "to invade."

Origin: Late Latin

Related Words

Rhymes for invasion

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “invasion” mean?

The word “invasion” means a military attack in which armed forces enter another territory to conquer or control it. In plain terms, a forceful, unwanted entry — by an army into a country, or into someone's privacy.

How do you pronounce “invasion”?

“Invasion” is pronounced ihn-VAY-zhuhn (/ɪnˈveɪʒən/ in IPA).

How do you use “invasion” in a sentence?

Here is “invasion” used in a sentence: “The invasion began with a wave of airstrikes.”

What part of speech is “invasion”?

“Invasion” is a noun.

Where does the word “invasion” come from?

The word “invasion” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin invāsiō, from invādō, "to invade.".

Is “invasion” a common word?

“Invasion” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “invasion” have?

“Invasion” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a military attack in which armed forces enter another territory to conquer or control it.

What is the difference between an invasion and an attack?

An invasion specifically involves armed forces entering another territory to conquer or control it, usually on a large scale, while an attack is any act of aggression and can be small, brief, or limited. Every invasion involves attacks, but not every attack is an invasion.

What is the difference between an invasion and an occupation?

An invasion is the initial act of entering a territory by force, while an occupation is the period of controlling and governing that territory afterwards. An invasion often leads to an occupation if the attacking force stays.

What is the difference between invasion and incursion?

An invasion is usually a large, sustained entry into a territory with the aim of conquest or control, while an incursion is a smaller, briefer raid or intrusion across a border. Incursions are more limited in scale and purpose.

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