meddling

[med-ling]

adjective

1. interfering or getting involved in a matter without any right or invitation.

   Comedic complications arise when a meddling friend attempts to rekindle the spark in the couple’s tired marriage.

noun

1. the act or habit of interfering or getting involved in something without any right or invitation.

   The company will work independently, and there won't be any meddling by the government.

Other Word Forms

• meddlingly adverb
• unmeddling adjective
• unmeddlingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of meddling¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; meddle ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective; meddle ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun

Example Sentences

Opposition parties dismiss talk of Russian meddling as a "political show" claiming the government is laying the ground to annul the vote should PAS lose its majority in parliament.

From BBC

The referendum was mired by extensive evidence of Russian meddling – including cash being smuggled into the country to buy votes.

From BBC

The Lib Dem leader plans to use his keynote speech at his party's conference on Tuesday to step up his criticism of Musk, accusing him of meddling in British democracy.

From BBC

In Ava Pickett's fresh adaptation, being staged at London's Rose Theatre, Emma Woodhouse still has all the trademark traits of our beloved original heroine – she's clever, quick-witted, meddling, haughty and occasionally cruel.

From BBC

It's an important moment for King Charles, who used to be criticised for "meddling" in politics.

From BBC