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interference

noun
in·​ter·​fer·​ence | \ ˌin-tər-ˈfir-ən(t)s How to pronounce interference (audio) , ˌin-tə-\

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 \ ˌin-​tər-​fə-​ˈren(t)-​shəl How to pronounce interferential (audio) , ˌin-​tə-​ , -​ˌfir-​ˈen(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

 Additionally, McNeely is charged with interference with law enforcement, theft of a firearm, and criminal use of weapons. — Chris Harris, PEOPLE.com, "'Outgoing, Vibrant' Kansas 18-Year-Old Is Fatally Shot, and Boyfriend Is Suspect," 21 Aug. 2019 China has frequently warned against outside interference with its authority over Hong Kong, calling it an internal issue. — NBC News, "Trump links Hong Kong protests to trade talks with China," 15 Aug. 2019 He was originally charged with false imprisonment, two counts of battery against a household member, interference with communication and two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, according to court records. — Madeline Holcombe, CNN, "Man accused of force-feeding meth to his cat," 14 Aug. 2019 Now, in addition to charges of false imprisonment, battery, and interference with communication, Spaulding has been charged with one misdemeanor count and one felony count of animal cruelty. — Tiffini Theisen, orlandosentinel.com, "Man force-fed methamphetamines to his cat, police say," 14 Aug. 2019 Spaulding, who was arrested June 4, had originally been charged with false imprisonment, two counts of battery against a household member, interference with communication and two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. — Fox News, "New Mexico man force-fed cat meth, battered girlfriend, police say," 14 Aug. 2019 Spaulding was charged in June with false imprisonment, two counts of battery against a household member, interference with communication and two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. — Lucas Peerman, USA TODAY, "New Mexico man choked a cat, fed it meth, abused his girlfriend, police say," 13 Aug. 2019 Ivan Rivera, 46, of the 9700 block of Iona Lane, Franklin Park, was charged with domestic battery, violation of an order of protection and unlawful interference with the reporting of domestic violence at 10:32 p.m. Aug 4. — Graydon Megan, chicagotribune.com, "Elmhurst police blotter: Counterfeit bills passed at Dunkin’ Donuts and DiLeo’s Pizza," 9 Aug. 2019 Many of Mr Trump’s policies hurt them in this respect, says another investment-bank boss, for example his interference with antitrust policy and trade antagonism with China. — The Economist, "What Wall Street thinks of Elizabeth Warren," 1 Aug. 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·​ter·​fer·​ence | \ ˌin-tər-ˈfir-əns 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·​ter·​fer·​ence | \ -ˈfir-ən(t)s How to pronounce interference (audio) \

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