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 Giants still scored a touchdown on the drive, but only after the Eagles were flagged for defensive pass interference in the end zone on an incomplete third-down pass. — Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, "Eagles pull out NFC East win over Giants," 23 Oct. 2020 The breakup is likely to temporarily eliminate the incentive for interference from OSs to applications and vice versa. — Daniel Tenreiro, National Review, "The Capital Note: What to Expect from China’s 19th Party Congress," 21 Oct. 2020 The refs flagged Woods for defensive pass interference giving the ball to Arizona at the 1. — Calvin Watkins, Dallas News, "5 thoughts from Cowboys-Cardinals: Ezekiel Elliott’s fumbles are a concern moving forward," 20 Oct. 2020 The Panthers cut the lead in half early in the fourth quarter when cornerback Jaylon Johnson was flagged for pass interference in the end zone on Moore, setting up a 1-yard touchdown plunge by former Chicago running back Mike Davis. — Steve Reed, Star Tribune, "Foles, stingy defense lead Bears past Panthers 23-16," 18 Oct. 2020 Republican politicians and conservative pundits joined Stefanik in slamming Silicon Valley for election interference. — Emma Colton, Washington Examiner, "'lllegal election interference': Conservatives livid with Facebook and Twitter for censoring New York Post story on Biden family business dealings," 15 Oct. 2020 And but for the interference with his arrangement there would be no cause for such marriages. — Emily Langer, Washington Post, "Bernard Cohen, lawyer who won victory for interracial marriage in Loving v. Virginia, dies at 86," 14 Oct. 2020 The next week, in a last-second defeat against the Buffalo Bills, Williams was penalized for pass interference on a fourth-down play that gave the Bills a chance to win on the next play. — Gary Klein Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, "Unheralded Morgan Fox and Darious Williams contributing mightily to Rams defense," 10 Oct. 2020 That drive was kept alive after the 59ers were called for pass interference. — Mike Hutton, chicagotribune.com, "Ryan Walsh rushes for 161 yards and four touchdowns as Andrean overcomes ‘too many mistakes’ and pulls away from Kankakee Valley," 9 Oct. 2020

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

26 Oct 2020

Cite this Entry

“Interference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interference. Accessed 26 Oct. 2020.

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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

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interference

noun

in·ter·fer·ence