In-vā’sion, n.

(-vā’zhun), n. [Lat. invasio, Fr. & Sp. invasion, It. invasione, Pr. invasio, envasio. See INVADE.]

1Sense 1. The act of encroaching upon the rights or possessions of another; encroachment.

2Sense 2. A warlike or hostile entrance into the possessions or domains of another; the incursion of an army for conquest or plunder; a raid.

3Sense 3. The approach of any foe, or any thing hurtful or pernicious; as, the invasion of a disease.

Synonyms—INVASION, INCURSION, IRRUPTION, INROAD. Invasion is the generic term, denoting a forcible entrance into a foreign country. Incursion signifies a hasty and sudden invasion. Irruption denotes a particularly violent invasion. Inroad includes the idea of frequent or repeated invasion.

The nations of the Ausonian shore Shall hear the dreadful rumor from afar Of armed invasion, and embrace the war. Dryden.

Now the Parthian king hath gathered all his host Against the Scythian, whose incursions wild Have wasted Sogdiana. Milton.

Next followed a wild irruption of barbarians from the northern hive. Addison.

By proof we feel Our power sufficient to disturb his heaven, And with perpetual inroads to alarm, Though inaccessible, his fatal throne. Milton.