invasion

An army’s entry into another country or area to attack it and take control.

• The army prepared for an invasion.
• Thousands fled after the invasion of their country.
• Could the coastal defences stop an invasion?

How to use it: invasion of somewhere (The invasion of the island began before dawn.)

Similar words: military attack, incursion

Common phrases: military invasion, invasion of somewhere, launch an invasion, invasion force

The arrival of unwanted people or things in a place, or entry into someone’s private life.

• The garden suffered an invasion of ants.
• Residents complained about the summer invasion of tourists.
• He regarded the cameras as an invasion of privacy.

How to use it: invasion of something (Reading her messages was an invasion of her privacy.)

Similar words: intrusion, influx

Common phrases: invasion of privacy, invasion of insects, unwanted invasion