interfere

[in-ter-feer]

verb (used without object)

interfered, interfering 

1. to come into opposition, as one thing with another, especially with the effect of hampering action or procedure (often followed bywith ).

   Constant distractions interfere with work.

2. to take part in the affairs of others; meddle (often followed by with orin ).

   to interfere in another's life.

   Synonyms: interlope, encroach, intrude, pry

3. (of things) to strike against each other, or one against another, so as to hamper or hinder action; come into physical collision.

4. to interpose or intervene for a particular purpose.

   Synonyms: intercede

5. to strike one foot or leg against another in moving, as a horse.

6. Sports.

   1. to obstruct the action of an opposing player in a way barred by the rules.

   2. Football.,  to run interference for a teammate carrying the ball.

7. Physics.,  to cause interference.

8. to clash; come in collision; be in opposition.

   The claims of two nations may interfere.

9. Law.,  to claim earlier invention when several patent requests for the same invention are being filed.

verb phrase

1. interfere with,  to molest sexually.

interfere

/ ˌɪntəˈfɪə /

verb

1. (often foll by in) to interpose, esp meddlesomely or unwarrantedly; intervene

2. (often foll by with) to come between or in opposition; hinder; obstruct

3. euphemistic,  (foll by with) to assault sexually

4. to strike one against the other, as a horse's legs

5. physics to cause or produce interference

Other Word Forms

• interferer noun
• interferingly adverb
• noninterfering adjective
• noninterferingly adverb
• interfering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of interfere¹

First recorded in 1520–30; inter- + -fere (from Latin ferīre “to strike”); modeled on Middle French s'entreferir

Word History and Origins

Origin of interfere¹

C16: from Old French s'entreferir to collide, from entre- _inter- + ferir to strike, from Latin ferīre

Example Sentences

Icing the area interferes with this natural response, Shaw says, reducing blood flow to the affected area and slowing the healing process.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Authorities said the protest interfered with “the coordination of federal agencies’ personnel and preparation for immigration enforcement activities,” and also “obstructed, delayed, and adversely affected commerce.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The board had alleged that the company had been “interfering with, restraining and coercing employees in the exercise of their rights.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A hybrid attack uses a mix of military and non-military tactics and is designed to interfere with a nation's infrastructure or institutions.

Read more on BBC

In response to the BBC investigation, the Russian embassy in the UK denied involvement in fake news and electoral interference and claimed that it was the EU that had been interfering in Moldova's election.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• hamper 
• hinder 
• impede 
• inhibit 
• intervene 
• intrude 
• meddle 
• prevent