interfere

American  

[in-ter-feer] / ˌɪn tərˈfɪər /

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.

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verb phrase

1. interfere with to molest sexually.

interfere British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of interfere

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

Example Sentences

Citing their criticism of Bennett’s contract, the suit alleges that they violated securities laws by forming a “secret group” to interfere with Braemar’s sale.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Researchers found that a drug already used to treat HIV might be able to interfere with this process, offering a new option for patients who currently have very limited treatment choices.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

It applies to the strait and adjacent waters to "secure transit passage and to deter attempts to close, obstruct or otherwise interfere with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz."

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

A judge ordered Amarillas to be held in custody pending a trial, stating that he is a flight risk and has the potential to interfere with evidence and witnesses at Camp Pendleton.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

Having gotten everyone in a lather by interfering with nature for years, it has decided now not to interfere with nature at all, even when that interference would be demonstrably beneficial.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

Related Words

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