interference

noun

in·​ter·​fer·​ence ˌin-tər-ˈfir-ən(t)s 

ˌin-tə-

1

a

: the act or process of interfering

b

: something that interferes : obstruction

2

a

: the illegal hindering of an opponent in sports

b

: the legal blocking of an opponent in football to make way for the ballcarrier

3

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

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

interferential

ˌin-tər-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl 

ˌin-tə-

-ˌfir-ˈen(t)-

adjective

Synonyms

• balk
• bar
• block
• chain
• clog
• cramp
• crimp
• deterrent
• drag
• embarrassment
• encumbrance
• fetter
• handicap
• hindrance
• holdback
• hurdle
• impediment
• inhibition
• let
• manacle
• obstacle
• obstruction
• shackles
• stop
• stumbling block
• trammel

Example Sentences

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

See More

Recent Examples on the Web

The score came about 3 minutes after Wisconsin won a challenge to wipe off an Ohio State goal due to goalie interference. —Mark Stewart, Journal Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2023

Craig Smith committed interference in the neutral zone and while the Rangers were working with the extra attacker, a K’Andre Miller one-timer dropped Nosek with 59 seconds left in the frame. —Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Jan. 2023

That violence was fueled by false election interference claims, mirroring attacks in the United States on January 6, 2021. —Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 19 Jan. 2023

Adam Driver stars as Daniel Jones, the lead investigator who plowed an increasingly lonely path to the truth, battling against political resistance and CIA interference all the way. —WIRED, 17 Jan. 2023

Latif Afridi, also a former lawmaker, had been a vocal critic of the powerful military’s alleged interference in Pakistani politics and of Islamist militancy. —Tara Subramaniam, CNN, 17 Jan. 2023

In addition, a special grand jury investigating election interference in Georgia has submitted its report, which a judge will decide whether to make public and authorities will use to decide whether to bring charges. —Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2023

Renner's Mike McLusky runs interference between the inmates, the guards, the cops and the criminals on the outside, keeping peace and putting himself in danger everyday. —Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2023

The goaltender interference challenge was a critical moment. —Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2023

See More

Word History

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing interference

• RNA interference
• run interference

• RNA interference
• run interference

Kids Definition

interference

noun

in·​ter·​fer·​ence ˌint-ə(r)-ˈfir-ən(t)s 

1

a

: the act or process of interfering

b

: something that interferes

2

: the shared effect on meeting of two waves (as of light or sound) whereby the waves cancel each other at some points and strengthen each other at other points

3

a

: the act of legally blocking an opponent in football

b

: the act of illegally getting in the way of an opponent in sports

4

a

: confusion of received radio signals due to undesired signals

b

: something that produces such confusion

Medical Definition

interference

noun

in·​ter·​fer·​ence -ˈfir-ən(t)s 

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

Legal Definition

interference

noun

in·​ter·​fer·​ence

1

a

: 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