English vocabulary · C1
Protrude
/proʊˈtruːd/ · v.
Protrude means to stick out past the surface or edge around it. The part extends farther than everything next to it.
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Example sentences
- A nail protruded from the board.
- His elbow protruded through the torn sleeve.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- pro — forward (from Latin)
- trude — push (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- PROJECT — stick out forward (Extend Beyond A Surface)
- JUT — extend at an angle (Point Out Sharply)
- BULGE — swell outward (Push Out In A Curve)
Words with the same root
trude — push
- intrude — push into a place
- extrude — push out through an opening
- protrude — push forward beyond
Lesson notes
Protrude means to stick out past the surface or edge around it. The part extends farther than everything next to it.
Related: project, jut, bulge. Use Protrude when one part sticks out beyond the rest.
A nail protruded from the board. His elbow protruded through the torn sleeve.
Pro means forward. Trude means push. Push one part forward beyond the rest, and it will protrude.