interfere
in-ter-FEER
/ˌɪntərˈfɪər/
To prevent a process or activity from continuing or being carried out properly; to get in the way of.
Carries a negative connotation of causing an obstacle, disruption, or conflict, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
The story behind the word. Interfere comes from the Old French 'entreferir,' which literally means 'to strike each other.' It was originally used in horse riding to describe a horse accidentally striking its own legs together while running, causing it to stumble. Over time, it came to mean any clashing or disruptive collision of actions.
Word relationships
- meddle: Meddle is specifically about nosy human behavior in personal affairs, while interfere can apply to physical systems, signals, or abstract processes.
- hinder: Hinder means to make something slow or difficult, while interfere emphasizes getting in the way and causing a clash.
- aid: To help or facilitate a process.
- cooperate: To work together smoothly without conflict.
Commonly confused with
- intervene: Intervene is positive/constructive; interfere is negative/disruptive.
Word family
- interference (noun): The act of interfering, or the clashing of signals (like radio static).
- interfering (adjective): Intrusive or meddlesome.
Collocations
- interfere with plans
- interfere in politics
- unwanted interference
Example sentences
- "Drinking caffeine late in the evening will interfere with your body's natural sleep cycle." A warning about how lifestyle choices affect sleep quality.
Memory hook
Think of 'inter-' (between) + 'fear' (feer) — when someone interferes, they strike fear between the parties. Strike against each other.
When not to use
Do not use when the action is helpful or requested; use 'intervene' or 'assist' instead.
Fun facts
- In physics, 'interference' is the phenomenon where two waves superpose to form a wave of greater, lower, or the same amplitude (like light waves creating a rainbow pattern on a soap bubble).
Explore more words
interrupt, disrupt, intrusive, disruption, pry, intervention
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