interfere
verb
in·ter·fere ˌin-tər-ˈfir 
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
Synonyms
- butt in
- interlope
- intermeddle
- intrude
- meddle
- mess
- muck (about or around)
- nose
- obtrude
- poke
- pry
- snoop
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 Researchers suspect that the high levels of skin pigment, melanin, in dark-skinned patients can interfere with the absorbance measurements. 
Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 15 Sep. 2022 Additionally, the group said the plant would interfere with adjacent developments, is contrary to existing zoning and inconsistent with the city’s comprehensive plan. Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2022 Parents have argued the bill would interfere with their rights to choose what is best for their child and could lead to treatment complications if a child had a serious reaction and hadn't disclosed that they were vaccinated. Anahi Valenzuela, The Week, 31 Aug. 2022 Opponents have argued that SB 866 would interfere with a parent’s right to choose what’s best for their child and that, in the case of a rare serious reaction, could lead to a delay in treatment if the child does not disclose they were vaccinated. Melody Gutierrez, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2022 Zac Brown is not letting his busy schedule interfere with his fitness goals. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 23 Aug. 2022 The association also wrote that front plates can interfere with new safety radar systems. Sean Maguire, Anchorage Daily News, 23 Aug. 2022 Of course, workers were instructed not to touch the devices or interfere with the process so as to preserve privacy. Steven Aquino, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2022 And some of those supporters even went so far as to attack our Capitol on January 6 to interfere with the certification of President Joe Biden's victory. Dean Obeidallah, CNN, 15 Aug. 2022 See More
Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 15 Sep. 2022 Additionally, the group said the plant would interfere with adjacent developments, is contrary to existing zoning and inconsistent with the city’s comprehensive plan. Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2022 Parents have argued the bill would interfere with their rights to choose what is best for their child and could lead to treatment complications if a child had a serious reaction and hadn't disclosed that they were vaccinated. Anahi Valenzuela, The Week, 31 Aug. 2022 Opponents have argued that SB 866 would interfere with a parent’s right to choose what’s best for their child and that, in the case of a rare serious reaction, could lead to a delay in treatment if the child does not disclose they were vaccinated. Melody Gutierrez, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2022 Zac Brown is not letting his busy schedule interfere with his fitness goals. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 23 Aug. 2022 The association also wrote that front plates can interfere with new safety radar systems. Sean Maguire, Anchorage Daily News, 23 Aug. 2022 Of course, workers were instructed not to touch the devices or interfere with the process so as to preserve privacy. Steven Aquino, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2022 And some of those supporters even went so far as to attack our Capitol on January 6 to interfere with the certification of President Joe Biden's victory. Dean Obeidallah, CNN, 15 Aug. 2022 See More 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
Phrases Containing interfere
Kids Definition
interfere
verb
in·ter·fere ˌin-tər-ˈfir
interfered; interfering
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.
Medical Definition
interfere
intransitive verb
in·ter·fere ˌint-ə(r)-ˈfi(ə)r
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
interfered
verb
as in messed
to interest oneself in what is not one's concern a strong resentment of outsiders who attempted to interfere with their traditional ways of doing things Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- messed
- snooped
- intervened
- poked
- meddled
- intruded
- obtruded
- intermeddled
- butted in
- pried
- interceded
- interloped
- invaded
- nosed
- fooled
- tampered
- encroached
- played
- trespassed
- infringed
- interposed
- mucked (about or around)
- fiddled
- monkeyed
- chiselled (in)
- chiseled (in)
- barged (in)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- avoided
- ignored
- neglected
- disregarded
- shunned
- eschewed
- overlooked