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Definition of interloper

interloper

/ˈɪntɚˌloʊpɚ/
in · ter · lop · er
Plural:interlopers
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interloper Lexical Profile

interloper Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who becomes involved in a place, group, or situation where they are not wanted or are considered not to belong.

Example

"The long-time residents of the quiet coastal village initially viewed the wealthy newcomer as an unwelcome interloper."

2

An unauthorized trader who infringes on the rights or trade monopoly of an established mercantile company (historical).

Example

"During the seventeenth century, the Royal African Company frequently petitioned the crown to seize the vessels of independent interlopers."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

interlock
interlocked
interlocking
interloper
interlude
intermarry
intermediary

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 16th century from the Latin prefix 'inter-' (between) and the dialectal English or Middle Dutch verb 'lopen' (to run), originally referring to an unauthorized merchant ship encroaching on a chartered trade monopoly.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Interloper. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/interloper
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