interference

noun

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

2 : 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)

3a : the legal blocking of an opponent in football to make way for the ballcarrier

b : the illegal hindering of an opponent in sports

4 : partial or complete inhibition or sometimes facilitation of other genetic crossovers in the vicinity of a chromosomal locus where a preceding crossover has occurred

5a : 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

6 : the disturbing effect of new learning on the performance of previously learned behavior with which it is inconsistent

Other Words from interference Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about interference

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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

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi responded to Trump's comments at the meeting, saying that China follows a principle of non-interference in other countries domestic affairs. — Fox News, "Pence accuses Beijing of meddling in US elections: ‘China wants a different American president’," 4 Oct. 2018 His message was poignant, especially in the wake of President Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, which came under fire after Trump sided with Russia regarding interference in the 2016 election. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Barack Obama Dancing in Kenya Is Exactly What Your Week Needs," 17 July 2018 But, using a phone off airplane mode in-flight can still cause audible interference on the aircraft’s radios, where pilots hear what sounds kind of like a CD skipping. — Meredith Carey, Condé Nast Traveler, "Reminder: You Still Can't Make Phone Calls on a Flight," 9 July 2018 Clarke is a pioneer in developing sensitive magnetic detectors called superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). — Douglas Messier, Space.com, "Super-Sensitive Device Seeks Axions, Proposed Dark Matter Particles," 2 July 2018 Twitter too has been amplifying its efforts to combat bots, misinformation, and election interference of late, as activity on the social networking platform has intensified ahead of the midterms. — Nick Statt, The Verge, "Twitter removes thousands of bot accounts discouraging Democrats from voting in the midterms," 2 Nov. 2018 The challenge is creating components of logic circuits that work reliably without interference from the natural activity in cells, and that don’t rob cells of too much energy or too many resources. — Eric Smalley, Discover Magazine, "Cellular Cyborgs: How Programmable DNA Strands Might Control Healing," 25 Sep. 2018 That section includes reference to potential coordination between people associated with Trump’s campaign and the Russian election interference effort. — Chad Day, The Seattle Times, "Review underway for Russia probe documents ordered released," 17 Sep. 2018 The ban comes after Dorsey testified before Congress on Wednesday about political biases and alleged election interference. — Valentina Palladino, Ars Technica, "Twitter’s latest (and final) punishment for Alex Jones: A permanent ban," 6 Sep. 2018

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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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

sports : 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