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interfere

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

Definition of interfere

intransitive verb

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

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Other Words from interfere

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

 Alternatively, these same DNA-like molecules can be crafted to interfere with RNA machinery that normally inhibits or slows translation. — Bret Stetka, Scientific American, "Antisense Drugs for Huntington’s, ALS and Prion Diseases Could Meet the Dire Need for Brain Treatments," 15 Aug. 2019 Letting life take its course without attempting to interfere with its changes and movements, neither prolonging pleasure nor hastening the departure of difficulties. — Ephrat Livni, Quartzy, "Use these mantras to start, power through, and finish your day," 10 Aug. 2019 The special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, said in his report released this spring that Russia had interfered in the election to benefit Mr. Trump. — Katie Benner, New York Times, "Andrew McCabe’s Civil Lawsuit Against the F.B.I. and Justice Department," 8 Aug. 2019 The special counsel, Robert Mueller, said in his report released this spring that Russia had interfered in the election to benefit Trump. — Katie Benner, BostonGlobe.com, "Andrew McCabe, former FBI deputy director, sues government over firing," 8 Aug. 2019 But researchers have found that 80 to 90 percent of the chicks had at least one piece of plastic in their system, not enough to kill them, but perhaps enough to interfere with development. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Eating Even One Piece of Plastic Has Health Consequences for Baby Seabirds," 5 Aug. 2019 These thefts and disclosures are intended to interfere with the US election process. — Dan Mclaughlin, National Review, "Mitch McConnell Didn’t Stop Obama from Doing Anything about Russia in 2016," 2 Aug. 2019 Mueller later concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election, though there was no coordinated conspiracy with the Trump campaign. — Alex Ward, Vox, "Microsoft says it notified nearly 10,000 customers that they were cyberattack victims," 17 July 2019 However, when the game starts to interfere with their real lives, everything begins to unravel, both inside and outside of the game. — Rachel Paige, refinery29.com, "Your One-Stop Guide To The New Black Mirror Season 5 Episodes," 5 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'interfere.' 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 interfere

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for interfere

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

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More Definitions for interfere

interfere

verb
How to pronounce interfere (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of interfere

: to become involved in the activities and concerns of other people when your involvement is not wanted

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

interfere

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

Kids Definition of interfere

1 : to get in the way of as an obstacle Hills interfere with the radio signal.
2 : to become involved in the concerns of others when such involvement is not wanted Stop interfering in my private matters.

interfere

intransitive verb
in·​ter·​fere | \ ˌint-ə(r)-ˈfi(ə)r How to pronounce interfere (audio) \
interfered; interfering

Medical Definition of interfere

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

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