When something obtrudes or when you obtrude it, it becomes noticeable in an undesirable way. A 40 watt bulb would be quite sufficient and would not obtrude Gertrude now clearly felt that she had obtruded her sorrow He didn't want to obtrude on her privacy. if something obtrudes, or you obtrude something, it becomes noticeable where it is not wanted intrude (obtrudere )