interloper
Interloper (noun) means someone who intrudes into a situation where they are not wanted or welcome. Example: “The locals treated the new manager as an interloper at first.”
How to use interloper
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn outsider who butts into a place, group, or situation where they don't belong.
Word forms
- Plural
- interlopers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The locals treated the new manager as an _____ at first.
Etymology
From inter- plus an old word "loper" ("runner, rover"); originally used for unlicensed traders who broke in on the privileges of chartered trading companies.