interfere

in-ter-fere · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To get involved in something without being asked or welcomed; to meddle.

  2. 2.

    To prevent something from happening or developing properly.

  3. 3.

    (physics) Of waves, to combine and reinforce or cancel each other.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    interfere with — To prevent or disturb.
  • •
    interfere in — To involve oneself in others' affairs.

Related words

Antonyms: assist, help, ignore
See also: interference, intervene, meddle
Synonyms: intervene, intrude, meddle

Etymology

From Old French s'entreferir ("to strike each other"), from Latin inter ("between") + ferire ("to strike"). The sense of "meddle" developed in the 17th century.