interference

noun

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in·ter·fer·ence | \ ˌin-tər-ˈfir-ən(t)s

, ˌin-tə- \

Definition of interference

1a : the act or process of interfering

b : something that interferes : obstruction

2a : the illegal hindering of an opponent in sports

b : the legal blocking of an opponent in football to make way for the ballcarrier

3a : 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

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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 The Capitals went ahead with 6:31 left in regulation, after Charlie McAvoy picked up a double minor (interference, cross-checking). — BostonGlobe.com, 7 Oct. 2021 In the event of collisions or packet loss over wireless (either due to interference or poor signal), the technology mitigates the fallout by switching to the best available connection. — Anshel Sag, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2021 Several Western countries, including the United States, have recently expelled Russian officers for a variety of reasons, including espionage, election interference, and cyber intrusions. — Olivia Gazis, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2021 On the Vanderbilt possession, Stan Cross was called for pass interference, which moved the ball into chip-shot range for the winning kick. — Dom Amore, courant.com, 3 Oct. 2021 He was also twice called for defensive pass interference, the second a questionable 32-yard infraction on a middle-of-the-field shot to wide receiver Bryan Edwards midway through the third quarter. — Jonas Shaffer, baltimoresun.com, 15 Sep. 2021 With a ruling of catcher’s interference, which counts as an error, Wong was allowed to score from third for a 1-0 lead. — Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 10 Sep. 2021 No conference interference and conflict of interest. — oregonlive, 3 Sep. 2021 There were also attempts at political interference by the Trump administration, including a failed attempt to add a citizenship question to the census form. — Astrid Galvan And Mike Schneider, The Arizona Republic, 28 Aug. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'interference.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

15 Oct 2021

Cite this Entry

“Interference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interference. Accessed 21 Oct. 2021.

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More Definitions for interference

interference

noun

English Language Learners Definition of interference

: involvement in the activities and concerns of other people when your involvement is not wanted : the act of interfering

: additional signals that weaken or block the main signal in a radio or television broadcast

: the act of illegally hitting or getting in the way of an opponent

See the full definition for interference in the English Language Learners Dictionary

interference

noun

in·ter·fer·ence | \ ˌin-tər-ˈfir-əns

Kids Definition of interference

1 : something that gets in the way as an obstacle

2 : involvement in the concerns of others when such involvement is not wanted The young couple disliked their parents' interference.

interference

noun

in·ter·fer·ence | \ -ˈfir-ən(t)s

Medical Definition of interference

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

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interference

noun

in·ter·fer·ence