meddle

American  

[med-l] / ˈmɛd l /

verb (used without object)

meddled, meddling

1. to involve oneself in a matter without right or invitation; interfere officiously and unwantedly.

   Stop meddling in my personal life!

   Synonyms:

   pry, intrude, intervene

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meddle British  

/ ˈmɛdəl /

verb

1. (usually foll by with) to interfere officiously or annoyingly

2. (usually foll by in) to involve oneself unwarrantedly

   to meddle in someone's private affairs

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Other Word Forms

• meddler noun
• meddling adjective
• meddlingly adverb
• overmeddle verb (used without object)
• unmeddled adjective

Etymology

Origin of meddle

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English medlen, from Old French me(s)dler, variant of mesler “to mix,” from Vulgar Latin misculāre (unrecorded), frequentative of Latin miscēre

Example Sentences

Maya-Jade had already asked Vivian for help, but her grandmother had refused, saying that she never meddled in other people’s affairs.

From Literature

While the authorities tinker with laws and competitions, they dare not meddle with the famous old Championship.

From BBC

California and Oregon last year enacted similar laws to punish corporate investors that meddle in healthcare decisions at medical providers they own.

From The Wall Street Journal

It asserted America's right to dominate the Western hemisphere and keep European powers from trying to meddle in the newly independent states of Latin America.

From BBC

Numerous U.S. presidents have meddled in the region.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• hinder
• impede
• impose
• infringe
• intrude
• tamper