侵略 (qīn lüè) is a formal noun meaning 'aggression' or 'invasion', typically referring to hostile, unauthorized military action by one country or group against another’s territory or sovereignty. The first character, 侵 (qīn), means 'to encroach upon' or 'to infringe'; the second, 略 (lüè), means 'to seize' or 'to plunder'. Together, they convey the idea of forceful, unlawful occupation or domination — not merely trespassing, but systematic violation with intent to control or exploit.

This word carries strong negative connotations and appears frequently in historical, political, and legal contexts — for example, when discussing wartime events, international law, or national defense. It is rarely used for metaphorical or minor violations (e.g., personal space or time); for those, words like 侵犯 (qīn fàn) are more appropriate. 侵略 is almost always followed by nouns like 行为 (behavior), 战争 (war), or 国家 (country), and commonly appears in compound terms such as 侵略者 (invader) or 反侵略 (anti-invasion).