interfere

intransitive-verb
UK: /ˌɪntəˈfɪə/
US: /ˌɪntərˈfɪr/

  1. To prevent someone from doing something or something from happening.

    1. Don't interfere, please, it's my work.
    2. I won't interfere in their relationship; it's their private matter to resolve independently.

  2. To involve yourself in a situation when your help or advice is not wanted.

    1. He likes to interfere in everything.
    2. It's not my place to interfere with their decision-making process, regardless of my personal views.

  3. To prevent a process or activity from continuing or being carried out properly.

    1. Rain interfered with our plans.
    2. Loud music can interfere with concentration, making it difficult to focus effectively.

  4. To touch or move something, often without permission and causing damage or disturbance.

    1. Don't interfere with the equipment.
    2. Someone had interfered with the lock, so the door wouldn't open smoothly or securely.

Synonyms

intervene meddle obstruct disrupt hinder tamper
interfere transitive-verb

  1. To deliberately touch or handle something without permission.

    1. Did you interfere with my phone?
    2. She warned the children not to interfere with the delicate ornaments on the shelves.
interfere noun

  1. The act of involving oneself in someone else's affairs, especially when uninvited or unwelcome.

    1. His interference was not helpful.
    2. Excessive government interference in the market can distort prices and reduce efficiency.

  2. The obstruction or disruption of a process or activity.

    1. Radio interference made it hard to hear.
    2. Electromagnetic interference from nearby devices can degrade the performance of sensitive equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "interfere" in English means: To prevent someone from doing something or something from happening., To involve yourself in a situation when your help or advice is not wanted., To prevent a process or activity from continuing or being carried out properly., To touch or move something, often without permission and causing damage or disturbance..

The phonetic transcription of "interfere" is /ˌɪntəˈfɪə/ in British English and /ˌɪntərˈfɪr/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "interfere": intervene, meddle, obstruct, disrupt, hinder, tamper.

Example usage of "interfere": "Don't interfere, please, it's my work.". More examples on the page.