What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
intruder
Example
The alarm went off because an intruder broke into the house. [intruder: noun]
Example
I felt like an intruder when I accidentally walked into the wrong meeting room. [intruder: noun]
trespasser
Example
The farmer caught a trespasser on his land and called the police. [trespasser: noun]
Example
Please do not be a trespasser and stay within the designated hiking trail. [trespasser: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trespasser is more commonly used than intruder in everyday language, especially in the context of property ownership and land use. Intruder is more commonly used in the context of security or privacy violations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between intruder and trespasser?
Both intruder and trespasser are formal words that are typically used in legal or official contexts. However, intruder may be seen as more severe or threatening than trespasser, which may affect its formality level in certain situations.
