interfere

verb

in·​ter·​fere ˌin-tər-ˈfir How to pronounce interfere (audio)
ˌin-tə-
interfered; interfering

intransitive verb

1
: to enter into or take a part in the concerns of others
2
: to interpose in a way that hinders or impedes : come into collision or be in opposition
3
: to strike one foot against the opposite foot or ankle in walking or running
used especially of horses
4
: to act reciprocally so as to augment, diminish, or otherwise affect one another
used of waves
interferer noun
Choose the Right Synonym for interfere

interpose, interfere, intervene, mediate, intercede mean to come or go between.

interpose often implies no more than this.

interposed herself between him and the door

interfere implies hindering.

noise interfered with my concentration

intervene may imply an occurring in space or time between two things or a stepping in to stop a conflict.

quarreled until the manager intervened

mediate implies intervening between hostile factions.

mediated between the parties

intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness.

interceded on our behalf

Examples of interfere in a Sentence

I tried to offer advice without interfering. a strong resentment of outsiders who attempted to interfere with their traditional ways of doing things
Recent Examples on the Web Johnson and his staff in 2019 met with Ukrainian diplomat Andriy Telizhenko as the senator pursued the theory that Ukraine had interfered in the 2016 election. Lawrence Andrea, Journal Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2024 His social worker was present during the interview but did not interfere in the conversation. Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 Don’t let anyone interfere; do what works for you, and don’t apologize for looking out for your interests. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 The comment was taken as an attempt to interfere in Bolivia's election. Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The release comes as the country is holding a special inquiry led by a judge to look into allegations that China and other foreign nations have interfered in Canadian elections and political parties. Ian Austen, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 Trump now finds himself solidly on course to challenge incumbent Joe Biden in November, so long as his legal challenges don't interfere. Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 Their teenage son, Xavier, suspects a rift between them, but avoids interfering. Kayla Maiuri, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2024 Mexican immigration officials do not have the authority to block Mexican citizens traveling in their own nation, and generally do not interfere. Nick Miroff, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interfere.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English enterferen, from Anglo-French (s')entreferir to strike one another, from entre- inter- + ferir to strike, from Latin ferire — more at bore

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of interfere was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near interfere

Cite this Entry

“Interfere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interfere. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

interfere

verb
in·​ter·​fere ˌint-ə(r)-ˈfi(ə)r How to pronounce interfere (audio)
interfered; interfering
1
: to come in collision or be in opposition : clash
his arrival interfered with our plans
2
: to take part in the concerns of others
don't interfere with our negotiations
3
: to act on one another
interfering light waves
interferer noun

Medical Definition

interfere

intransitive verb
in·​ter·​fere ˌint-ə(r)-ˈfi(ə)r How to pronounce interfere (audio)
interfered; interfering
1
: to strike one foot against the opposite foot or ankle in walking or running
used especially of horses
2
: to act reciprocally so as to augment, diminish, or otherwise affect one another
used of waves
3
: to be inconsistent with and disturb the performance of previously learned behavior

Legal Definition

interfere

intransitive verb
in·​ter·​fere
interfered; interfering
1
: to act in a way that impedes or obstructs others
2
: to enter into the concerns of others

More from Merriam-Webster on interfere

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