Interfering
/ˌɪntərˈfɪərɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo involve oneself in a matter or situation without invitation or necessity; meddle.
/ˌɪntərˈfɪər/
To be involved in a situation in which you are not wanted or needed.
The parents should stop interfering with their children's decisions.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a LEGO castle, and your little brother keeps knocking it down. He's interfering with your building.
👶 For kids: When you try to do something that's not your job and make it harder for someone else.
More Examples
I don't want to interfere with your plans, so I'll stay out of the way.
She felt like her boss was always interfering in her projects.
How It's Used
"Foreign governments were accused of interfering in the election."
"Stop interfering in my personal life!"
To prevent (a process or activity) from continuing or being carried out properly.
/ˌɪntərˈfɪər/
To obstruct or impede the progress of something.
Static on the radio interfered with the broadcast.
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite TV show keeps glitching and breaking up. The signal is interfering with your ability to watch.
👶 For kids: When something gets in the way of another thing working right.
More Examples
The rain interfered with the outdoor event.
His illness interfered with his ability to focus on work.
How It's Used
"The atmospheric conditions interfered with the radio signal."
"The defender was penalized for interfering with the forward's shot."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
interference with
The act of getting involved in something that is not yours.
"He was charged with interference with the police investigation."
From Middle English *interferen*, from Old French *entreférir* (“to strike one another, clash, interfere”), from *entre-* (“between”) + *férir* (“to strike”).
The word 'interfere' and its derivatives have been used since the 15th century, initially referring to physical conflict before evolving to describe meddling or obstructing.
Memory tip
Think of a busybody sticking their nose where it doesn't belong; they're interfering.