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

The way these pulses overlap and interfere depends on their phase, allowing different quantum states to be identified and measured.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

These unwanted fluctuations interfere with signals and limit accuracy.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

Her father considers this just a hobby, a weekend recreation that shouldn’t interfere with her taking over the store one day.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Drones can sometimes miss their targets when drone jamming systems interfere with their GPS signal.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

You had to be in the past, but not interfere or interact with it in even the tiniest, most inconsequential way.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Related Words

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