Interfere — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˌin-tər-ˈfir/ in·ter·fere

Meaning & Definition of Interfere

Interfere (verb)

  1. to enter into or take a part in the concerns of others
  2. to interpose in a way that hinders or impedes, come into collision or be in opposition
  3. to strike one foot against the opposite foot or ankle in walking or running —used especially of horses

Interfere (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to interest oneself in what is not one's concern

    "a strong resentment of outsiders who attempted to interfere with their traditional ways of doing things"

    similar: butt in, interlope, intermeddle, intrude, meddle, mess, muck (about or around), nose, obtrude, poke, pry, snoop
    related: intercede, interpose, intervene, barge (in), chisel (in), encroach, infringe, invade, trespass, fiddle, fool, monkey, play, tamper
    near: avoid, eschew, shun, disregard, ignore, neglect, overlook

Related Entry: Interfere (with) (verb)

Interfere (with) is a different word from Interfere. The synonyms below are for interfere (with), not for interfere.

  1. to create difficulty for the work or activity of

    "claims that the countless federal regulations interfere with his business and are of no benefit to anyone"

    similar: clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, manacle, obstruct, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammel, cramp one's style, give a hard time
    related: balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain, bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie, arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard, barricade, block, blockade, roadblock, bog (down), mire, choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate, baffle, foil, frustrate, stump, thwart, derail, disrupt, sabotage, muzzle, repress, suppress, confine, hedge (in), hem (in)
    opposite: aid, assist, facilitate, help
    near: clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop, free, liberate, release, untie, loosen, smooth, encourage, further, promote

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Interfere

The most common words with a similar meaning to Interfere:

butt in, interlope, intermeddle, intrude, meddle, mess, muck (about or around), nose, obtrude, poke, pry, snoop

Related Words for Interfere

intercede, interpose, intervene, barge (in), chisel (in), encroach, infringe, invade, trespass, fiddle, fool, monkey, play, tamper

Near Antonyms of Interfere

avoid, eschew, shun, disregard, ignore, neglect, overlook

Word Forms of Interfere

Inflections: interfered, interfering

Derived words: interferer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Interfere

Middle English enterferen, from Anglo-French (s')entreferir to strike one another, from entre- inter- + ferir to strike, from Latin ferire bore

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Interfere

Words & Phrases Containing Interfere

interfere with

Frequently Asked Questions about Interfere

What does "Interfere" mean?

"Interfere" means to enter into or take a part in the concerns of others. As a verb, it is defined as: to enter into or take a part in the concerns of others.

What is another word for "Interfere"?

Other words for "Interfere" include butt in, interlope, intermeddle, intrude, meddle, mess, muck (about or around) and nose. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Interfere" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Interfere"?

There are 26 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Interfere". Common alternatives include butt in, interlope, intermeddle, intrude, meddle, mess, muck (about or around), nose, obtrude and poke.

How do you use "Interfere" in a sentence?

Examples of "Interfere" in a sentence: "a strong resentment of outsiders who attempted to interfere with their traditional ways of doing things".

Is "Interfere" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Interfere" is a verb.

Is "Interfere" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Interfere" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Interfere"?

"Interfere" is pronounced /ˌin-tər-ˈfir/ and divided into syllables as in·ter·fere.

What is the origin of the word "Interfere"?

"Interfere" comes from Middle English enterferen, from Anglo-French (s')entreferir to strike one another, from entre- inter- + ferir to strike, from Latin ferire bore. First known use: 15th century.