INTERLOPER

Definition of INTERLOPER

INTERLOPER Noun

Interloper is a noun that refers to a person who becomes involved in a situation or place where they are not wanted or are not supposed to be. It denotes someone who intrudes or interferes in matters that do not concern them.

Unwanted Intruder: Interloper describes an individual who intrudes into a situation or space where they are not welcomed or have no legitimate role. This usage emphasizes the unwelcome nature of their presence. For example, “The party was disrupted by an interloper who had no invitation.”

Intruder in a Specific Context: The term interloper can also refer to someone who intrudes into a specific context or activity without having a right or proper role. This can include various scenarios such as social, professional, or private situations. For instance, “In the business meeting, the consultant acted like an interloper, offering unsolicited advice.”

Contrast with Participant or Member: Understanding interloper helps distinguish it from terms like participant or member, which denote individuals who are legitimately involved in a situation or group. While interloper implies unwelcome intrusion, participants and members have accepted roles or permissions. For example, “Unlike the interloper, the team members were all officially part of the project.”

Role in Conflict or Tension: Interloper can be associated with conflict or tension, as their presence often disrupts or complicates existing dynamics. This highlights the impact of their intrusion on the situation or relationships involved. For example, “The presence of the interloper caused tension among the established group.”

Historical and Literary Usage: The term interloper has historical and literary significance, often used to describe characters or individuals who interfere in the affairs of others. This usage reflects themes of intrusion and interference in various narratives. For instance, “In classic literature, the interloper is often portrayed as a disruptor of established order.”

Social and Professional Implications: In social and professional contexts, interloper can carry implications regarding boundaries, etiquette, and legitimacy. Understanding this term helps address issues related to appropriate involvement and respect for established roles. For example, “The interloper’s actions were considered unprofessional and intrusive by the team.”

In conclusion, interloper is a noun that refers to a person who intrudes into a situation or place where they are not wanted or do not belong. It denotes someone who interferes without a legitimate role or invitation, often causing disruption or tension. Recognizing interloper is important for understanding issues of intrusion, boundaries, and proper involvement in various contexts.

Examples of INTERLOPER in a sentence

  • The party was going well until an interloper arrived and caused a scene.
  • The company viewed the new startup as an interloper in their established market.
  • As an interloper in the close-knit community, he struggled to gain acceptance.
  • The diplomat was seen as an interloper by the local leaders who preferred to handle affairs independently.
  • They were annoyed by the interloper who tried to join their private discussion without an invitation.
  • The interloper at the conference disrupted the scheduled events by interjecting unwarranted opinions.
  • Despite being an interloper, she managed to offer valuable insights during the meeting.
  • The interloper was caught trespassing on the private property and was asked to leave immediately.

Origin of INTERLOPER

The word interloper has its origins in Dutch and Middle English, evolving into Modern English to describe someone who intrudes into a situation, place, or activity where they are not wanted or have no right to be.

  • Dutch:
    • Loper (runner, rover)
    • The Dutch word loper comes from lopen, meaning to run or to walk. It was often used to describe a person who roams or moves about, especially without permission or in an unofficial capacity.
  • Middle English:
    • Inter- (between or among)
    • The prefix inter- in Middle English, derived from Latin, means “between” or “among.” When combined with loper, it conveys the idea of someone moving into or roaming between places or activities where they don’t belong.
  • Modern English:
    • Interloper (intruder, unauthorized person)
    • In Modern English, interloper refers to someone who enters or involves themselves in a situation, place, or activity where they are not welcome or entitled to be. The word was popularized in the 16th century, especially in the context of trading or business activities, referring to those who unlawfully engaged in trade without proper authorization.

The term interloper evolved from Dutch and Middle English roots, combining the idea of someone moving or roaming into places where they are not wanted or authorized. It retains its sense of intrusion and unwelcome involvement in modern usage.

Synonyms

  • Intruder
  • Trespasser
  • Meddler
  • Invader
  • Interloper
  • Outsider
  • Intruder
  • Usurper

Antonyms

  • Insider
  • Participant
  • Member
  • Contributor
  • Resident
  • Native
  • Stakeholder
  • Contributor

Related

  • Encroachment
  • Infiltration
  • Unauthorized entry
  • Intervention
  • Overstepping
  • Interference
  • Eavesdropper
  • Prying

🌐 🇬🇧 INTERLOPER in other languages

Terms of Use

Privacy & Cookies

Disclaimer

Who We Are

Main Sections

Idioms

Geographical Locations

Organisations

Professions

Let´s Talk

Contact

Instagram

® 2024 https://DefinitionGo.com