interfere
ihn-tuh-FEER
Interfere (verb) means to get involved in something in a way that disrupts or is unwelcome. Example: “I never interfere when my brother and his friends are arguing.”
verb
1
To get involved in something in a way that disrupts or is unwelcome.
"I never interfere when my brother and his friends are arguing."
"Her parents kept interfering in her relationship."
"Please don't interfere with the investigation."
2
Of waves, to combine and affect each other when they overlap.
"When sound waves interfere, some of the noise can cancel out."
"Ripples on a pond interfere where they cross each other."
"The two light waves interfere, creating a pattern of bright and dark bands."
How to use interfere
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo get in the way of something or meddle where you're not wanted; in physics, to describe waves overlapping and affecting each other.
Common pairings
interfere with
interfere in someone's affairs
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like interfere.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- interferes
- Past tense
- interfered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I never _____ when my brother and his friends are arguing.
Etymology
From Old French entreferir, from entre- ("between") plus ferir ("to strike").
Related words
Rhymes for interfere
See all rhymes for interfere →Frequently asked questions
What does “interfere” mean?
The word “interfere” means to get involved in something in a way that disrupts or is unwelcome. In plain terms, to get in the way of something or meddle where you're not wanted; in physics, to describe waves overlapping and affecting each other.
How do you pronounce “interfere”?
“Interfere” is pronounced ihn-tuh-FEER (/ˌɪn.tɚˈfɪɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “interfere” in a sentence?
Here is “interfere” used in a sentence: “Please don't interfere with the investigation.”
What part of speech is “interfere”?
“Interfere” is a verb.
Where does the word “interfere” come from?
The word “interfere” comes from Old French. From Old French entreferir, from entre- ("between") plus ferir ("to strike").
Is “interfere” a common word?
“Interfere” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “interfere” have?
“Interfere” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to get involved in something in a way that disrupts or is unwelcome.
What is the difference between "interfere" and "intervene"?
To interfere means to get involved in something in a disruptive or unwelcome way, and it carries a negative tone. To intervene means to become involved in a situation in order to help or change its outcome, and it is often neutral or positive. In short, interfering is usually unwanted, while intervening is often meant to help.
What is the difference between "interfere with" and "interfere in"?
You "interfere in" a matter, situation, or affair, as in "don't interfere in their argument," while you "interfere with" an object or process that you disrupt, as in "noise interferes with concentration." Broadly, "interfere in" is about meddling in affairs, and "interfere with" is about disrupting how something works.
What is the difference between "interfere" and "interrupt"?
To interrupt means to break the continuity of something, such as stopping a speaker mid-sentence or pausing an event. To interfere means to get involved in a disruptive or unwelcome way. You can interfere without interrupting, and an interruption is usually a brief break rather than ongoing meddling.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include interfere:
