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 court's unsigned order keeps previously undisclosed details from the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election out of the hands of Democratic lawmakers at least until early summer. — CBS News, "Supreme Court blocks House Democrats from Mueller grand jury material," 21 May 2020 The House Judiciary Committee last week announced an investigation into allegations of political interference in the Justice Department. — Steven T. Dennis, Bloomberg.com, "Biden’s Comeback Adds Urgency and Unease in GOP’s Ukraine Probe," 15 May 2020 At the end of 2016, the F.B.I. was winding down an investigation of Russian interference in the Presidential election. — Jeffrey Toobin, The New Yorker, "The Michael Flynn Dismissal Is Another Shot in Trump’s War on the Mueller Investigation," 8 May 2020 Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI as part of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. — NBC News, "Bracing for a grim April jobs report, arrests for Ahmaud Arbery's killing, charges dropped in Michael Flynn case and VE Day," 8 May 2020 Relations between China and Australia have been strained by Australia’s outlawing of covert foreign interference in politics and institutions. — Washington Post, "China-Australia rift deepens over calls for virus inquiry," 1 May 2020 In a statement Wednesday night, HHS confirmed that Bright is no longer at the BARDA agency, but did not address his allegations of political interference in scientific matters. — Ricardo Alonso-zaldivar, Houston Chronicle, "Expert claims reprisal for opposing virus drug Trump touted," 23 Apr. 2020 The appointment process can often raise suspicions of political interference. — Ronald J. Hansen, azcentral, "Arizona chief justice's emergency order will keep info about redistricting commission secret," 10 Apr. 2020 Seemingly buddies at first, Sessions and Trump’s bromance took a catastrophic turn when Sessions recused himself from the FBI investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 elections. — Breanna Edwards, Essence, "Trump Campaign Tells 'Delusional' Jeff Sessions To Stop Connecting Himself To The President," 3 Apr. 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

2 Jun 2020

Cite this Entry

“Interference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interference. Accessed 4 Jun. 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