adjective

invasive

in-VAY-siv/ɪnˈveɪsɪv/

Spreading or intruding where unwanted.

Invasive plants spread along the river and crowd out wildflowers.

Aggressive kudzu-like vine smothers a small shrub and fence, spreading runners cross boundary into neighboring patch; no unrelated invasive species claim.

Etymology

inLatininto

+vasLatinto go, walk

+iveLatintending to

The pieces evoke “going into,” which developed into attacking or invading. Invasive describes that movement as an aggressive tendency to enter or spread where something is unwanted.

In context

UF / IFAS Extension Pinellas County25:14

we even have some non-native exotic and invasive ferns whose success at reproduction in this part of florida has meant that they kind of come up everywhere quite on their own

Botanical Science for Beginners

More examples

An invasive beetle threatens the native trees.
She finds his questions about her private life invasive.
The app's invasive tracking collects information users prefer to keep private.

Forms

invasive

invasiveness noun — The quality of spreading or intruding undesirably.

Similar words

intrusive: Emphasizes unwanted interference, especially with privacy or personal space.
encroaching: Emphasizes gradually advancing into another's space, territory, or rights.