interference

noun

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

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

Other Words from interference Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about interference

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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

Coaches will only be able to challenge fouls called on their own players, out-of-bounds calls, and goaltending or basket interference violations. — Ben Golliver, The Denver Post, "NBA free agency rules could change," 10 July 2019 Challenges of basket interference or goaltending and of called out of bounds violations will not be permitted in the final two minutes of the game or last two minutes of overtime. — Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle, "NBA approves in-game challenge system for coaches," 10 July 2019 In light of this, central bank heads are largely becoming the public face of an organization who must master the political games necessary to keep monetary policy free from government interference. — Allison Schrager, Quartz, "Newly named European Central Bank head Christine Lagarde isn’t an economist—and that’s good news," 4 July 2019 Others pointed to former special counsel Robert Mueller's report as backing up Carter's remarks about Russian interference. — Jeannette Hinkle, azcentral, "Jeff Flake rebukes Jimmy Carter for calling Trump illegitimate, igniting Twitter uproar," 29 June 2019 Ligado claims there's no reason to be concerned about interference with weather-satellite data transmissions. — Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, "FCC battles meteorologists again over plan to help wireless industry," 26 June 2019 The Mueller Report released in April about Russian interference with the 2016 elections revealed the FBI believed at least one Florida county was hacked by those working for the Russian government. — Gray Rohrer, orlandosentinel.com, "Gov. DeSantis to put more money into election cybersecurity efforts," 17 June 2019 Weissmann was a prominent member of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s team investigating Russia’s interference in the 2016 presidential election and any obstruction of the probe by President Donald Trump. — Bloomberg News, The Mercury News, "Michael Flynn hires prominent Justice Dept. critic as his lawyer," 12 June 2019 The order will require Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats to conduct regular assessments about potential foreign interference in elections. — Fox News, "Trump signs executive order to impose sanctions against any election interference," 12 Sep. 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.

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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