interference

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

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

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

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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

On the next four snaps, Cutler completed passes to wide receiver Earl Bennett good for 15, 31 and 6 yards, with the final throw coming after a Tennessee pass-interference penalty and getting Vandy in the end zone.

— mark inabinett, AL.com, "The Countdown to Kickoff: The SEC's best No. 6," 27 Aug. 2017
The researchers believe that the whales are doing this deliberately to avoid interference from human sounds.

— avery thompson, Popular Mechanics, "The Ocean Is So Noisy, Whales Are Starting to Talk on a New Frequency," 24 Aug. 2017
Venture-capital firm Benchmark asked a Delaware judge to temporarily block Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick from filling two vacant company board seats, claiming his interference hampers the search for his successor as chief executive officer.

— Fortune, "Benchmark Ratchets Up Fight Against Uber Co-Founder Kalanick," 24 Aug. 2017
Every bit as good as advertised: Tate Modern, Claridge's hotel, Mayor Sadiq Khan's handling of unwanted interference from overseas powers.

— esquire editors, Esquire, "How to B.S. Your Way to a Seven-Figure Book Deal," 23 Aug. 2017
According to statements given by Comey the following month to senators, Trump fired Comey due to continued investigation into alleged Russian interference into the 2016 presidential election.

— alexa mcmenamin, Teen Vogue, "James Comey to Lecture at Howard University," 23 Aug. 2017
Trump Jr., Kushner, and Manafort, among others, have since become central players in the ongoing Justice Department investigation into Russia’s interference in the presidential election.

— abigail tracy, The Hive, "Another Piece of the Trump-Russia Puzzle Falls into Place," 15 Aug. 2017
Crawley had two penalties -- one third-down pass interference and one offsides -- and missed a tackle on a big gain.

— josh katzenstein, NOLA.com, "Saints fall to Browns in preseason opener as deep passes prove costly," 10 Aug. 2017
The Southside Serpents would be a healthy distance away, giving Jughead and Betty the freedom to drink milkshakes at Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe with no interference.

— christopher rosa, Glamour, "This 'Riverdale' Deleted Scene Would've Changed Everything for Betty and Jughead," 9 Aug. 2017

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

interference Synonyms

INTERFERENCE Defined for English Language Learners

interference

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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

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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

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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