First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
interfere
verb in·ter·fere \ˌin-tə(r)-ˈfir\
: to become involved in the activities and concerns of other people when your involvement is not wanted
in·ter·feredin·ter·fer·ing
Full Definition of INTERFERE
intransitive verb
1
: to interpose in a way that hinders or impedes : come into collision or be in opposition
2
: to strike one foot against the opposite foot or ankle in walking or running —used especially of horses
3
: to enter into or take a part in the concerns of others
4
: to act reciprocally so as to augment, diminish, or otherwise affect one another —used of waves
— in·ter·fer·er noun
See interfere defined for English-language learners
See interfere defined for kids
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Origin of INTERFERE
Middle English enterferen, from Anglo-French (s')entreferir to strike one another, from entre- inter- + ferir to strike, from Latin ferire — more at bore
Related to INTERFERE
Synonym Discussion of INTERFERE
interpose, interfere, intervene, mediate, intercede mean to come or go between. interpose often implies no more than this <interposed herself between him and the door>. interfere implies hindering <noise interfered with my concentration>. intervene may imply an occurring in space or time between two things or a stepping in to stop a conflict <quarreled until the manager intervened>. mediate implies intervening between hostile factions <mediated between the parties>. intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness <interceded on our behalf>.
Rhymes with INTERFERE
Agadir, atmosphere, auctioneer, balladeer, bandolier, bathysphere, bayadere, Bedfordshire, Bedivere, belvedere, bend one's ear, biosphere, bombardier, boutonniere, brigadier, buccaneer, budgeteer, Cambridgeshire, cameleer, cannoneer, canyoneer, cassimere, cavalier, chandelier, chanticleer, chevalier, chiffonier, chocolatier, chromosphere, commandeer, corsetiere, crystal clear, cuirassier, Derbyshire, diapir, disappear, domineer, ecosphere, Elzevir, engineer, exosphere, fallow deer, fictioneer, financier, fiscal year, fourdrinier, fusilier, gadgeteer, gasolier, gazetteer, ginger beer, Gloucestershire, gondolier, grenadier, Guinevere, hemisphere, Hertfordshire, Holy Year, inner ear, insincere, in the clear, jardiniere, junketeer, kerseymere, landing gear, lavaliere, marketeer, Meyerbeer, middle ear, missileer, mountaineer, muleteer, musketeer, mutineer, on one's ear, outer ear, overhear, overseer, oversteer, Oxfordshire, pamphleteer, persevere, photosphere, pioneer, pistoleer, privateer, profiteer, puppeteer, racketeer, rocketeer, running gear, scrutineer, sloganeer, sonneteer, souvenir, Staffordshire, steering gear, stratosphere, summiteer, swimmer's ear, thermosphere, troposphere, Tyne and Wear, understeer, vintage year, Vladimir, volunteer, Warwickshire, Windermere, yesteryear
INTERFERER Defined for Kids
interfere
verb in·ter·fere \ˌin-tər-ˈfir\
in·ter·feredin·ter·fer·ing
Definition of INTERFERE for Kids
1
: to get in the way of as an obstacle <Hills interfere with the radio signal.>
2
: to become involved in the concerns of others when such involvement is not wanted <Stop interfering in my private matters.>
Medical Dictionary
interfere
intransitive verb in·ter·fere \ˌint-ə(r)-ˈfi(ə)r\
in·ter·feredin·ter·fer·ing
Medical Definition of INTERFERE
1
: to strike one foot against the opposite foot or ankle in walking or running—used especially of horses
2
: to act reciprocally so as to augment, diminish, or otherwise affect one another—used of waves
3
: to be inconsistent with and disturb the performance of previously learned behavior
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