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interference

noun
in路​ter路​fer路​ence | \ 藢in-t蓹r-藞fir-蓹n(t)s How to pronounce interference (audio) , 藢in-t蓹-\

Definition of interference

1a : the act or process of interfering
b : something that interferes : obstruction
2 : the mutual effect on meeting of two wave trains (as of light or sound) that constitutes alternating areas of increased and decreased amplitude (such as light and dark lines or louder and softer sound)
3a : the legal blocking of an opponent in football to make way for the ballcarrier
b : the illegal hindering of an opponent in sports
4 : partial or complete inhibition or sometimes facilitation of other genetic crossovers in the vicinity of a chromosomal locus where a preceding crossover has occurred
5a : confusion of a received radio signal due to the presence of noise (such as atmospherics) or signals from two or more transmitters on a single frequency
b : something that produces such confusion
6 : the disturbing effect of new learning on the performance of previously learned behavior with which it is inconsistent
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Other Words from interference

interferential \ 藢in-​t蓹r-​f蓹-​藞ren(t)-​sh蓹l How to pronounce interferential (audio) , 藢in-​t蓹-​ , -​藢fir-​藞en(t)-​ \ adjective

Examples of interference in a Sentence

We had to put up with loud noise and constant interference from the neighbors. interference in the affairs of another nation trying to avoid governmental interference It was hard to hear the radio program because of all the interference. The TV picture had a lot of interference. a hockey player receiving a penalty for interference
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Recent Examples on the Web

 It is believed he was injured on a deep pass downfield that resulted in a defensive pass interference call. — Tom Green | [email protected], al, "Auburn wide receiver Will Hastings will play against Tulane," 5 Sep. 2019 Coaches now can challenge pass interference calls and non-calls as part of the replay system. — Barry Wilner, SFChronicle.com, "Plenty of story lines for NFL鈥檚 100th season," 5 Sep. 2019 During the Obama administration, conservatives made the lightbulb standards a rallying point for complaints about government interference. — Washington Post, "Energy Department to prolong the lives of incandescent lightbulbs," 5 Sep. 2019 His feelings traced to a runner鈥檚 interference call on Richie Martin in the third inning that potentially cost the Orioles multiple runs. — Baltimore Sun Staff, baltimoresun.com, "Brandon Hyde ejected, kicks dirt on home plate as Orioles miss out on doubleheader sweep with 2-0 loss to Rays," 4 Sep. 2019 Weeks before the 2016 election, McConnell refused to join a bipartisan statement warning about Russia's election interference after he had been briefed on it. — Jason Silverstein, CBS News, "McConnell says "Moscow Mitch" nickname is "modern-day McCarthyism"," 4 Sep. 2019 Extra points Al Riveron has been fairly cautious in overturning pass interference calls or non-calls thus far. — Ben Volin, BostonGlobe.com, "With two weeks left in NFL training camps, several teams still unsettled at quarterback," 17 Aug. 2019 Fangio also became the first coach to utilize the new rule allowing challenges of pass interference calls. — Barry Wilner, Houston Chronicle, "Vic Fangio coaches after kidney stone issue, Broncos win Hall of Fame Game," 2 Aug. 2019 Upon further review: A slide interference call at second base on Derek Dietrich resulted in a seventh-inning double play on a grounder hit by Nick Senzel. — Todd Rosiak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Reds 14, Brewers 6: Going from bad to worse in a hurry," 23 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'interference.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of interference

1783, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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More Definitions for interference

interference

noun
How to pronounce interference (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of interference

: involvement in the activities and concerns of other people when your involvement is not wanted : the act of interfering
: additional signals that weaken or block the main signal in a radio or television broadcast
sports : the act of illegally hitting or getting in the way of an opponent

See the full definition for interference in the English Language Learners Dictionary

interference

noun
in路​ter路​fer路​ence | \ 藢in-t蓹r-藞fir-蓹ns How to pronounce interference (audio) \

Kids Definition of interference

1 : something that gets in the way as an obstacle
2 : involvement in the concerns of others when such involvement is not wanted The young couple disliked their parents' interference.

interference

noun
in路​ter路​fer路​ence | \ -藞fir-蓹n(t)s How to pronounce interference (audio) \

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