French word

invasion

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃vazjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nouninvasion

Example

L'invasion a commencé hier.

The invasion began yesterday.

Illustration for invasion (invasion)

More examples

Après l'invasion surprise, la population a cherché des abris.

After the surprise invasion, the population looked for shelters.

Core concept

A place is suddenly filled by outsiders until normal order is disturbed or control is lost.

Common phrases

  • invasion surprise

    surprise invasion

  • invasion d'un pays voisin

    invasion of a neighboring country

Similar words

attaque: A violent assault intended to harm an opponent.
occupation: The continued presence of people or troops to control and administer a place.
infestation: A place overrun by large numbers of pests or parasites.
colonisation: The settling and spread of people or organisms in a new land or environment.

Definition in French

Arrivée massive et souvent problématique d'êtres vivants ou d'un groupe dans un lieu, provoquant perturbation ou domination.

Word origin

French formed invasion from Latin invasio through the historical French vocabulary, preserving the sense of a forceful entry.

Usage tips

  • French uses invasion for metaphorical mass arrivals as well as military attacks, as in une invasion de touristes.

Other meanings

  • intrusionnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word