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 With little risk of interference with other devices, many regulators are happy to allow masts designed to use those frequencies to transmit at higher power than older generations of kit. — The Economist, "Energy harvesting 5G phone networks could provide power as well as communications," 14 Apr. 2021 There are still needs, but new state broadband grants might result in wasteful duplication of and/or destabilizing interference with plans to meet those needs that are already underway. — Arkansas Online, "Want some cash?," 10 Apr. 2021 Harris now faces charges for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful restraint, unlawful carrying of a weapon, impersonating a Public Servant and interference with with Texas Military Forces. — Dan Carson, Chron, "Man pulls gun on 11 National Guardsmen delivering COVID-19 vaccine in West Texas," 23 Mar. 2021 Germany has bristled at U.S. sanctions as interference with its sovereignty, viewing the pipeline as a commercial project, despite warnings from other NATO allies that the pipeline will allow Moscow to cut gas supplies for Eastern Europe. — Abby Smith, Washington Examiner, "Daily on Energy, presented by Bipartisan Policy Center: Blinken raises pressure on Nord Stream 2 with little time left," 19 Mar. 2021 This Les Paul has a worn vintage finish and two open coil humbuckers (a type of electric guitar pickup that cancels out interference with a double coil). — Lauren Corona, chicagotribune.com, "Best cheap electric guitars," 17 Mar. 2021 Andrea Sahouri was charged with failure to disperse and interference with official acts while covering a May 31 protest for the Des Moines Register. — Editorial Board, Star Tribune, "Journalism on trial," 14 Mar. 2021 Stevens turned himself in and posted bail on a $6,000 bond on charges of assault on a peace officer, a second-degree felony, and interference with the duties of a public servant, a misdemeanor. — Scott Huddleston, San Antonio Express-News, "Controversial Leon Valley chief was replaced just days after new acting city manager took office," 13 Mar. 2021 Andrea Sahouri was arrested while covering a May racial justice demonstration and went on trial this week for charges of failure to disperse and interference with official acts. — Kevin Krause, Dallas News, "They allegedly stormed the Capitol; now they say it was in the service of journalism," 12 Mar. 2021

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

18 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Interference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interference. Accessed 21 Apr. 2021.

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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