meddle
MED-uhl
/ˈmɛdəl/
To interfere in something that is not one's concern, without invitation or necessity.
Carries a highly negative, annoying connotation of busybody behavior, often involving trivial or personal matters.
The story behind the word. Meddle traces back to the Latin 'miscere,' meaning 'to mix.' Through Old French, it became 'mesler' (to mix, mingle, or engage in fight). The word originally meant simply to mix things together, but by the late Middle Ages, it took on the negative sense of mixing oneself into other people's business.
Word relationships
- interfere: Interfere is broader and can apply to physical obstacles or systems, whereas meddle almost always implies a person nosily inserting themselves into someone else's business.
- pry: Pry means to inquire too closely into a person's private affairs, whereas meddling involves taking physical or active steps to change or influence those affairs.
- ignore: To pay no attention to something and leave it alone.
- mind one's own business: To focus on one's own affairs and avoid interfering with others.
Commonly confused with
- metal: Metal is a solid chemical element (like iron), whereas meddle is a verb meaning to interfere.
Word family
- meddler (noun): A person who meddles in other people's affairs.
- meddlesome (adjective): Fond of meddling; intrusive.
Collocations
- meddle in affairs
- meddle with equipment
- constantly meddle
Idioms & expressions
- busybody meddling
Example sentences
- "Please do not meddle in my personal affairs; I am perfectly capable of handling them myself." A classic warning to a nosy family member.
Memory hook
Think of a 'meddler' trying to win a 'medal' for being the most annoying busybody. Mix into other people's business.
When not to use
Do not use when someone is intervening for a noble or life-saving reason; use 'intervene' instead.
Fun facts
- The word 'melee' (a confused fight or scuffle) shares the exact same Old French root ('mesler') as 'meddle'!
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