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Invasion

/ɪnˈveɪʒən/

nounB2

Definition

Invasion is the act of entering a place, area, or country without permission, often using force. It usually involves a large group like an army coming into another land to take control or cause harm. The word can also be used for smaller-scale entries, like when something unwanted spreads quickly.

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See It in Action

Military or forceful entry into a country or place

  • •The invasion of Normandy was a major event in World War II.
  • •The army planned an invasion to take control of the city.
  • •The invasion caused many people to flee their homes.

Unwanted or sudden entrance by something (like pests or ideas)

  • •The garden suffered an invasion of ants last summer.
  • •There was an invasion of privacy when cameras were installed without permission.

Make It Stick

  • ✓Think of "invasion" like "enter" (A1 word), but with force and without permission—it's a strong, unwanted entry.
  • ✓Picture many soldiers crossing a border and moving into a city, not invited and ready to fight.
  • ✓It's the feeling of danger or fear when strangers come into your home without asking.
  • ✓Sounds like "in-VEI-zhun" → imagine a wave of people moving in fast, like a flood taking over land.
  • ✓Think of stories or movies about armies attacking countries or aliens coming to Earth to take over.
  • ✓NOT like "visit" (friendly and allowed) — invasion is forceful and unwanted.
  • ✓NOT like "immigration" (people moving to live somewhere new legally) — invasion is without permission.
  • ✓NOT like "attack" (focused on fighting) — invasion is about entering and taking control, not just fighting.

Try Other Words

  • •Raid: a quick, surprise attack or entry (Use when the entry is fast and short, not long-lasting)
  • •Occupation: control of a place after entering (Use when the group stays and controls the area after entering)
  • •Intrusion: unwanted entry, often smaller scale (Use for personal or private spaces, less about armies)

Unboxing

  • •Word parts: "in-" (into) + "vasion" (from Latin "venire" meaning to come or go)
  • •Etymology: From Latin "invadere," meaning to enter forcefully or attack
  • •Historical development: Used first in the 15th century to describe military attacks and entries
  • •Modern usage: Mostly used for military or large-scale entries, but also for smaller unwanted entries like pests or privacy

Reflect & Connect

•How does the idea of invasion change when we talk about countries versus personal spaces?
•Can an invasion ever be peaceful or positive, or is it always negative? Why?

Fill in the blanks

1.The invasion started when the army crossed the ___ without permission.
2.People felt scared during the invasion because it meant ___ control of their land.
3.Unlike a friendly visit, an invasion is always ___ and unwanted.
4.An invasion can happen not only with people but also with ___ like insects or ideas.
5.After the invasion, the soldiers stayed to ___ the city.
6.A quick surprise attack is called a raid, but an invasion usually lasts ___.
7.When cameras were installed secretly, people said it was an invasion of their ___.