interference
noun
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
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Other Words from interference
ˌin-tə-,
-ˌfir-ˈen(t)-
\
adjective
Synonyms for interference
Synonyms
balk, bar, block, chain, clog, cramp, crimp, deterrent, drag, embarrassment, encumbrance, fetter, handicap, hindrance, holdback, hurdle, impediment, inhibition, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, shackles, stop, stumbling block, trammel
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Examples of interference in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Former diplomats are already warning that China, emboldened by the complete lack of consequences Russia faced after the 2016 election, is poised to start replicating their political interference. — Luke Darby, GQ, "Tech Companies Asked the FBI for Help Fighting Fake News and the FBI Told Them No," 26 June 2018 The indictments of 12 Russians are the latest result ofspecial counsel Robert Mueller’s probe of interference in the presidential election. — Anthony Man, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Notable Florida tentacles in latest Mueller indictments over Russian hacking of Democrats," 13 July 2018 Robert Mueller's legal team unveiled its latest allegations as part of its ongoing probe of Russian interference in the 2016 elections and possible obstruction of justice afterward. — Ronald J. Hansen, azcentral, "Arizona servers used by Russian hackers to monitor Democrats, feds say," 13 July 2018 To Britons, this will smack of direct interference in their internal affairs — something this proud island nation is loath to tolerate. — Washington Post, "AP Analysis: Trump’s barbed comments upset British hosts," 13 July 2018 Prosecutors conducted the raid after a referral from Robert Mueller, the special counsel leading the FBI’s investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. — Siobhan Morrin, Time, "President Trump’s Former Lawyer Says He Puts ‘Family and Country’ Before the President," 2 July 2018 Again, from the Times: Part of the problem, officials say, is that the White House has expressed little interest in the problem of Russian interference, and that the apathy has had a trickle-down effect. — Luke Darby, GQ, "Tech Companies Asked the FBI for Help Fighting Fake News and the FBI Told Them No," 26 June 2018 Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s chief executive, has brushed aside suggestions of political interference in this case. — The Economist, "A lengthy jail term sends a message to Hong Kong’s rebellious youth," 14 June 2018 Banks' donation of more than 8 million pounds (nearly $11 million) to the pro-Brexit campaign is the subject of a probe by the country's Electoral Commission, amid concerns of Russian interference. — Donie O'sullivan, Nina Dos Santos And Drew Griffin, CNN, "British political operatives met with Russian ambassador days after Trump visit," 13 June 2018These 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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Dictionary Entries near interference
Statistics for interference
Last Updated
7 Oct 2018
Look-up Popularity
Time Traveler for interference
The first known use of interference was in 1783
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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
\
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
\
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
nounLegal Definition of interference
1a : the act or an instance of interfering interference with contract
b : something that interferes
2 : a hearing to determine the priority of invention at issue in a patent dispute
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