English · Word Candidate

invasive

/ɪnˈveɪsɪv/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: invasives

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Of or pertaining to invasion; offensive.

Adjective

Examples

The Spanyards called their invaſive fleete againſt England the Navie Invincible, yet it was overcome.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

That invades a foreign country using military force; also, militarily aggressive.

Adjective

Examples

He managed to get back Lorraine; made truce with the Hungarians, who were excessively invasive at that time. Truce with the Hungarians; and then, having gathered strength, made dreadful beating of them; two beatings,—one to each half, for the invasive Savagery had split itself, for better chance of

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

An invasive organism, such as an animal or plant.

Noun

Examples

Is there ever a time to plant invasives—plants that are known to spread—in the garden? I believe the answer is a qualified "yes." There is never a time to plant exotic, that is non-native, invasives. Exotic invasives such as pampas grass and French and Scottish broom were sold by local nurseries in

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “invasive” mean?

Of or pertaining to invasion; offensive.

Is “invasive” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.