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

Detectives escorted the girl’s mother, Ashlee Buzzard, off the property to another location “that would not interfere with their ability to conduct a thorough search,” the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The defendants argued that it was a "peaceful protest", that the rights of others were not "greatly interfered with", that care had been taken in choosing the type of powder to use.

Read more on BBC

When this tissue is damaged, it can interfere with memory, reasoning, balance, and coordination, and it has also been linked to an increased risk of stroke.

Read more on Science Daily

"China never interferes in other countries' internal affairs and always acts in an open and aboveboard manner," the Chinese embassy in London has previously said.

Read more on BBC

Lord Hermer told the committee allegations politicians had interfered in the case were "baseless" and "disgraceful".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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