interfere

[in-ter-feer]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR interfere ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used without object), in·ter·fered, in·ter·fer·ing.

to come into opposition, as one thing with another, especially with the effect of hampering action or procedure (often followed by with): Constant distractions interfere with work.

to take part in the affairs of others; meddle (often followed by with or in): to interfere in another's life.

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

to interpose or intervene for a particular purpose.

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

Sports.

to obstruct the action of an opposing player in a way barred by the rules.
Football.to run interference for a teammate carrying the ball.

Physics. to cause interference.

to clash; come in collision; be in opposition: The claims of two nations may interfere.

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

Verb Phrases

interfere with, Chiefly British. to molest sexually.

Origin of interfere

1520–30; inter- + -fere < Latin ferīre to strike; modeled on Middle French s'entreferir

Related formsin·ter·fer·er, nounin·ter·fer·ing·ly, adverbnon·in·ter·fer·ing, adjectivenon·in·ter·fer·ing·ly, adverb

Synonyms for interfere

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR interfere ON THESAURUS.COM

2. pry, intrude, encroach, interlope. 4. intercede.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for interfere

hinder, prevent, intrude, inhibit, impede, obstruct, hamper, suspend, thwart, interlope, tamper, make, jam, conflict, balk, handicap, interpose, inconvenience, stop, frustrate

Examples from the Web for interfere

Contemporary Examples of interfere

However, it can interfere seriously with blood thinners and should never be taken with other antidepressant drugs.
Fish Oil, Turmeric, and Ginseng, Oh My! Are ‘Brain Foods’ B.S.?
Dr. Anand Veeravagu, MD
October 10, 2014
And go easy on fiber, which in large amounts can interfere with ovulation.
Exercise and Fertility: Are You Too Fit to Get Pregnant?
DailyBurn
August 1, 2014
Last December, Khamenei said publicly he would not interfere in the negotiations and would leave the details to the diplomats.
Iran Supreme Leader Spills the Nuke Talk Secrets
IranWire
July 12, 2014
Karzai did interfere with the negotiations at several points, in order to protect his own interests.
CIA Chief, White House Chief of Staff Long Argued the Taliban 5 Could Go Free
Josh Rogin, Eli Lake
June 7, 2014
In fact, Gallardón went out of his way to say that he did not think Partido Popular should interfere with gay marriage.
Why Does Spain Love Gay Marriage But Hate Abortion?
Emily Shire
March 7, 2014

Historical Examples of interfere

No man ventured to interfere with this lawful exercise of his authority.
Philothea
Lydia Maria Child
"I shall not interfere with that arrangement," said the lawyer, misunderstanding his object.
Brave and Bold
Horatio Alger
Even she always stopped soon, if she undertook to interfere with Malbone.
Malbone
Thomas Wentworth Higginson
We have never any wish to interfere in the political conditions of any other countries.
United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches
Various
Henry moved forward to interfere once more, but this time he was not needed.
Way of the Lawless
Max Brand

British Dictionary definitions for interfere

interfere

verb (intr)

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

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

(foll by with) euphemistic to assault sexually

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

physics to cause or produce interference

Derived Formsinterferer, nouninterfering, adjectiveinterferingly, adverb

Word Origin for interfere

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for interfere

mid-15c., "to strike against," from Middle French enterferer "to strike each other," from entre- "between" (see entre-) + ferir "to strike," from Latin ferire "to knock, strike," related to Latin forare "to bore, pierce" (see bore (v.), and cf. punch (v.), which has both the senses "to hit" and "to make a hole in"). Figurative sense of "to meddle with, oppose unrightfully" is from 1630s. Related: Interfered; interfering.