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

Explanation

To interfere is to try to stop something from happening. If you get into a fight on the street, people passing by might try to interfere so no one gets hurt. Many countries resent it when other countries interfere (get involved) in their internal affairs, just as people often dislike it when others interfere in their personal affairs. In this sense interfere is the opposite of minding one's business. On airplanes you're not allowed to use cellphones because, it's said, they interfere with the plane’s navigational systems.

Example Sentences

I don’t like that your wife tried to interfere with your plans to give your money to your brother’s children, even if she was candid about where she would prefer that money to go.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

They can block the virus from entering cells, interfere with its replication process, and reduce the production of viral proteins.

From Science Daily • May 7, 2026

However, a senior Iranian official warned Monday that Tehran would consider any US attempt to interfere in the Strait of Hormuz a breach of the ongoing ceasefire.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Writing in the journal Cell Reports, researchers report that these widely used supplements, often promoted as protective for the brain, could actually interfere with healing after injury.

From Science Daily • Apr. 26, 2026

“Your mother did the best she could. As for me, I could not interfere with your path. The children of the gods must find their own way.”

From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

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