interference

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

|Updated on: 29 Jul 2018

Examples: interference in a Sentence

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

Hillard explained that there are some side effects of using it, including interference with some medicines and some gastrointestinal intestine problems.

— karen pilarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Six things you might be asking about hemp," 13 July 2018
Obstruction of justice, whether the President or those around him sought to obstruct the investigation into Russian interferenceWith Friday's move, Mueller has now brought charges in the first four categories.

— garrett m. graff, WIRED, "Indicting 12 Russian Hackers Could Be Mueller's Biggest Move Yet," 13 July 2018
Fowler is charged with two counts of felony battery on a law enforcement officer in connection with Monday’s incident and misdemeanor battery and interference with arrest in connection with Friday’s, Wright says.

— greg hanlon, PEOPLE.com, "Kansas Politician Accused of Biting Officer's Thumb Hard Enough to Break It," 11 July 2018
Wilson, 26, of Gainesville, faces new charges of felony obstruction of an officer, misdemeanor obstruction of an officer and interference with government property.

— raisa habersham, ajc, "Cops: Man threatens deputies, shatters patrol car window with his head," 7 July 2018
According to the New York Daily News, the Congolese immigrant pleaded not guilty to her federal misdemeanors of trespassing, interference with government agency functions, and disorderly conduct.

— Essence.com, "Black Woman Who Climbed Statue Of Liberty Says She Was Inspired By Michelle Obama," 6 July 2018
An immigrant-rights advocate who scaled the base of the Statue of Liberty in protest on the Fourth of July was charged in Manhattan federal court Thursday with trespassing, disorderly conduct and interference with government agency functions.

— zolan kanno-youngs, WSJ, "ICE Protester Who Climbed Lady Liberty Charged With Trespassing," 5 July 2018
Therese Patricia Okoumou was charged with federal misdemeanors of trespassing, interference with government agency functions, and disorderly conduct.

— crimesider staff, CBS News, ""I went as high as I could": Statue of Liberty climber cheered outside court," 5 July 2018
Ollie’s attorneys might also explore the possibility of a tortious interference with contract claim.

— michael mccann, SI.com, "Breaking Down Kevin Ollie's Case Against UConn and the University's Likely Defenses," 29 June 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.

First Known Use of interference

1783

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

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interference Synonyms

INTERFERENCE Defined for English Language Learners

interference

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

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

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