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
• interfering adjective
• noninterfering adjective
• noninterferingly adverb

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

Late on Thursday, the defence department accused two Venezuelan military aircraft of flying near a US vessel in a "highly provocative move designed to interfere with our counter narco-terror operations".

From BBC

Under the convention, countries agree not to interfere with vessels operating in international waters.

From BBC

“If you are in Black Rock City, do not interfere with law enforcement activity,” the festival said in a statement.

From Salon

The Justice Department said the reforms do not interfere with the independence of judges in making individual sentencing decisions.

From BBC

Burning Man Project said it was co-operating with law enforcement and urged those at the festival not to interfere with the investigation.

From BBC

Related Words

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