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

Report on the special investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. ... — WSJ, "Read the 448-Page Redacted Report," 18 Apr. 2019 Since these vehicles will be on the Moon’s far side, they’ll be shielded from much of the electromagnetic interference from Earth and don’t have to deal with our planet’s atmosphere. — Loren Grush, The Verge, "This weekend, China embarks on a historic mission to land on the far side of the Moon," 6 Dec. 2018 This includes, but is certainly not limited to, condemning the Russian interference that angled for his victory and Hilary Clinton's defeat in the 2016 presidential election. — Michelle Ruiz, Vogue, "Donald Trump Doesn't Care About Democracy. He Only Cares About Himself.," 17 July 2018 Take for example the Russian interference into the 2016 elections. — Elizabeth Myong, Houston Chronicle, "Russians in Houston have diverse views on international affairs," 8 July 2018 Obama kicked out a large number of Russian diplomats over allegations of Moscow's interference in US presidential elections, but Trump topped him by ordering the biggest expulsion of Russian envoys in history. — Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, "Upcoming Trump-Putin summit gives Russians hope for US thaw," 3 July 2018 Jia’s potential interference with Lucid’s efforts surfaced in a lawsuit against Faraday Future that was filed in early August. — Sean O'kane, The Verge, "Tesla challenger Lucid Motors also in talks with Saudi Arabia for reported $1 billion funding," 20 Aug. 2018 The successful use of GPS by the U.S. military in combat operations however has made interference a top priority for many countries, particularly those like Russia and North Korea that could face the U.S. on the battlefield. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Report: Russia Engaging in Widespread Satellite Navigation Spoofing," 3 Apr. 2019 This tracking continued well after the ACLU intervened to stop government interference with immigrant women seeking abortions. — Jennifer Wright, Harper's BAZAAR, "The U.S. Is Tracking Migrant Girls' Periods to Stop Them From Getting Abortions," 2 Apr. 2019

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