interference

noun

in·​ter·​fer·​ence ˌin-tər-ˈfir-ən(t)s How to pronounce interference (audio)
ˌin-tə-
1
a
: the act or process of interfering
b
: something that interferes : obstruction
2
a
: the illegal hindering of an opponent in sports
b
: the legal blocking of an opponent in football to make way for the ballcarrier
3
a
: confusion of a received radio signal due to the presence of noise (such as atmospherics) or signals from two or more transmitters on a single frequency
b
: something that produces such confusion
4
: the mutual effect on meeting of two wave trains (as of light or sound) that constitutes alternating areas of increased and decreased amplitude (such as light and dark lines or louder and softer sound)
5
: partial or complete inhibition or sometimes facilitation of other genetic crossovers in the vicinity of a chromosomal locus where a preceding crossover has occurred
6
: the disturbing effect of new learning on the performance of previously learned behavior with which it is inconsistent
interferential
ˌin-tər-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl How to pronounce interference (audio)
ˌin-tə-
-ˌfir-ˈen(t)-
adjective

Examples of interference in a Sentence

We had to put up with loud noise and constant interference from the neighbors. interference in the affairs of another nation trying to avoid governmental interference It was hard to hear the radio program because of all the interference. The TV picture had a lot of interference. a hockey player receiving a penalty for interference
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Why James Comey's Instagram post triggered federal response Comey was leading the FBI investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election when Trump fired him in May 2017. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 18 May 2025 Wi-Fi specifications have been optimized to minimize interference with robotic control systems without disrupting broader campus connectivity. Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 16 May 2025 Comey further angered Trump by publicly confirming that the FBI was investigating Russian interference in the election and possible involvement by Trump campaign officials. Martha McHardy Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 The removal of Assad was another blow for Hezbollah, a strong Assad ally that benefited from years of Syrian interference in Lebanon. Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for interference

Word History

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of interference was in 1783

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interference. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

interference

noun
in·​ter·​fer·​ence ˌint-ə(r)-ˈfir-ən(t)s How to pronounce interference (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of interfering
b
: something that interferes
2
: the shared effect on meeting of two waves (as of light or sound) whereby the waves cancel each other at some points and strengthen each other at other points
3
a
: the act of legally blocking an opponent in football
b
: the act of illegally getting in the way of an opponent in sports
4
a
: confusion of received radio signals due to undesired signals
b
: something that produces such confusion

Medical Definition

interference

noun
in·​ter·​fer·​ence -ˈfir-ən(t)s How to pronounce interference (audio)
1
: the act or process of interfering
2
: the mutual effect on meeting of two wave trains (as of light or sound) that constitutes alternating areas of increased and decreased amplitude (as light and dark lines or louder and softer sound)
3
: partial or complete inhibition or sometimes facilitation of other genetic crossovers in the vicinity of a chromosomal locus where a preceding crossover has occurred
4
: the disturbing effect of new learning on the performance of previously learned behavior with which it is inconsistent compare negative transfer
5
: prevention of typical growth and development of a virus in a suitable host by the presence of another virus in the same host individual see interference phenomenon

Legal Definition

interference

noun
in·​ter·​fer·​ence
1
a
: the act or an instance of interfering
interference with contract
b
: something that interferes
2
: a hearing to determine the priority of invention at issue in a patent dispute

More from Merriam-Webster on interference

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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