adjective

invasive

invasive

Invasive plants can harm the ecosystem.

Invasive plants can harm the ecosystem.

The doctor recommended a less invasive procedure.

The doctor recommended a less invasive procedure.

The reporter's questions were very invasive.

The reporter's questions were very invasive.

((invasive)) + ((noun)) tending to spread harmfully An invasive species can damage the local environment.

Synonyms: intrusive, aggressive, pervasive; Antonyms: noninvasive, contained

From Latin 'invadere' (to enter, attack), from 'in-' (into) + 'vadere' (to go). It literally means 'to go into'.

Think of an army 'invading' a country. It spreads and takes over. An 'invasive' species does the same to an ecosystem.

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