interfere
Americanverb (used without object)
-
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.
-
to take part in the affairs of others; meddle (often followed by with orin ).
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.
- Synonyms:
- intercede
-
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 phrase
verb
-
(often foll by in) to interpose, esp meddlesomely or unwarrantedly; intervene
-
(often foll by with) to come between or in opposition; hinder; obstruct
-
euphemistic (foll by with) to assault sexually
-
to strike one against the other, as a horse's legs
-
physics to cause or produce interference
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
To do this, a coherent receiver combines a weak quantum signal with a stronger reference beam and analyzes how they interfere.
From Science Daily
But two High Court judges ruled on Friday that it was lawfully introduced and it would be inappropriate for the court to interfere in a democratic process.
From BBC
Geomagnetic storms and solar flares are perfectly safe for us as we are protected from the radiation by our atmosphere, but they can interfere with technology.
From BBC
Scientists are concerned that this persistence may interfere with normal development, including the formation of healthy bones.
From Science Daily
That’s not the only way healthcare expenses interfered with financial well-being.
From MarketWatch
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
