Meddling
/ˈmɛdlɪŋ/
Definitions
The act of interfering or involving oneself in something that is not one's business.
/ˈmɛdlɪŋ/
Interfering in something that is not one's concern.
The detective accused the journalist of meddling in the investigation.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who's always trying to help, even when you don't want them to. That's meddling! Like when your friend tries to pick your date for you even if you told them you wanted to go with someone else.
👶 For kids: When you try to do something or say something that's not your business
More Examples
Her attempts at meddling in her neighbor's affairs were often unsuccessful.
I hate meddling, please just let me handle it.
How It's Used
"Accusations of foreign meddling in the election were widespread."
"She disapproved of her sister's meddling in her marriage."
Idioms & expressions
Meddling kid!
Used to jokingly describe someone who is excessively curious or interfering, often in a childish way. Usually in a playful or teasing context.
""Oh, you figured out the surprise party? You meddling kid!""
From Middle English medlen, meaning 'to mix' or 'to interfere'. It evolved to encompass the sense of unwanted interference.
The term has been used since the 16th century, initially referring to mixing ingredients, and later to undesirable interference.
Memory tip
Imagine a busybody sticking their nose into everything – that's meddling.