irruption

sudden intrusion, bursting in

noun ee-rüp-SYON Rare

Origin: Latin 'irruptio' (a breaking in)

Also means

eruption (of a crowd or force)

Usage Note

Irruption means the forceful or sudden breaking into a place — the opposite direction from éruption (which pushes outward). Faire irruption (to burst into) is the key phrase: il a fait irruption dans la réunion. Learners often confuse it with éruption; remember that ir- suggests 'into', as in 'irrupt'.

Examples

"Il a fait irruption dans la salle sans frapper."

Natural Translation

He burst into the room without knocking.

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