interference

noun in·ter·fer·ence \ ˌin-tər-ˈfir-ən(t)s , ˌin-tə- \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Examples: interference in a Sentence

Definition of interference

1 a : 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)

3 a : 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

5 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

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

—

interferential

play \ˌin-tər-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl, ˌin-tə-, -ˌfir-ˈen(t)-\ adjective

See interference defined for English-language learners

See interference defined for kids

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 of interference from the Web

Industrial sites where there is too much interference for conventional communications may be suitable for MANETs as well.

— The Economist, "A new type of battlefield network is in development," 14 June 2018
After allowing back-to-back hits to catcher Elias Diaz and Bell, a catcher’s interference call on Murphy allowed outfielder Gregory Polanco to reach base, loading the bases with nobody out.

— richard morin, azcentral, "Diamondbacks offense continues torrid June in another win over Pirates," 13 June 2018
Mueller made the assertion in a filing in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., in his prosecution of 13 Russian nationals and three companies who were indicted in February on charges including interference in the 2016 presidential election.

— alex johnson /, NBC News, "Foreign interference in U.S. elections is still going on, Mueller tells judge," 13 June 2018
As the West has sought to isolate Russia over its military interventions in Ukraine and alleged interference in other countries’ elections, the Kremlin has sought to build new relationships in Asia and the Middle East.

— anatoly kurmanaev, WSJ, "World Cup Gives Putin’s Policies a Global Stage," 13 June 2018
Cohen has been represented since 2017 by Ryan, a Washington lawyer initially hired to prepare him for congressional testimony about alleged Russian interference in the presidential election.

— gregg re, Fox News, "Michael Cohen looking for new lawyers in FBI probe as key court deadline approaches, reports say," 13 June 2018
Cohen has been represented since 2017 by Stephen Ryan, a Washington lawyer initially hired to prepare him for congressional testimony about alleged Russian interference in the presidential election.

— Washington Post, "Michael Cohen hunts for new lawyers in FBI probe," 13 June 2018
Webb, the former navy secretary, said there was a way to coordinate with the military to avoid interference on the part of oil companies.

— james osborne, Houston Chronicle, "Oil lobby flexes muscles on Atlantic drilling," 12 June 2018
Conspiracy theorists, haters and even a rival owner have pointed to Restoring Hope, a fellow Baffert trainee who finished Saturday 38 ¾ lengths back, as running interference to help Justify earn the final jewel in the Triple Crown.

— fletcher page, The Courier-Journal, "Did Justify have help from another horse at Belmont? That's nonsense," 11 June 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.

First Known Use of interference

1783

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

interference Synonyms

INTERFERENCE Defined for English Language Learners

interference

noun

Definition of interference for English Language Learners

: 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

INTERFERENCE Defined for Kids

interference

noun in·ter·fer·ence \ ˌin-tər-ˈfir-əns \

Definition of interference for Students

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.

Medical Dictionary

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