interfere

verb

in·​ter·​fere ˌin-tər-ˈfir 

ˌin-tə-

interfered; interfering

intransitive verb

1

: to enter into or take a part in the concerns of others

2

: to interpose in a way that hinders or impedes : come into collision or be in opposition

3

: to strike one foot against the opposite foot or ankle in walking or running

—used especially of horses

4

: to act reciprocally so as to augment, diminish, or otherwise affect one another

—used of waves

interferer noun

Synonyms of interfere

• mess
• snoop
• intervene
• poke
• meddle
• intrude

Choose the Right Synonym for interfere

interpose, interfere, intervene, mediate, intercede mean to come or go between.

interpose often implies no more than this.

interposed herself between him and the door

interfere implies hindering.

noise interfered with my concentration

intervene may imply an occurring in space or time between two things or a stepping in to stop a conflict.

quarreled until the manager intervened

mediate implies intervening between hostile factions.

mediated between the parties

intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness.

interceded on our behalf

Examples of interfere in a Sentence

I tried to offer advice without interfering.

a strong resentment of outsiders who attempted to interfere with their traditional ways of doing things

Recent Examples on the Web

On Tuesday, July 7, viewing conditions will improve after the last-quarter moon, when Luna begins to rise and interfere less with the evening sky. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Meanwhile, some American fans who usually hate to see suits interfering in their sports are cheering FIFA on because the decision seems like a triumph of American exceptionalism. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026

The department, in response, said officials have no legal authority to interfere because the plant is properly permitted and complies with zoning regulations and city rules. — Jena Brooker, ProPublica, 6 July 2026

There really is no bad outcome from him interfering in FIFA and World Cup matters. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English enterferen, from Anglo-French (s')entreferir to strike one another, from entre- inter- + ferir to strike, from Latin ferire — more at bore

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing interfere

• interfere with

Rhymes for interfere

• auctioneer
• bandelier
• belvedere
• bombardier
• brigadier
• buccaneer
• cavalier
• chandelier
• chanticleer
• chevalier
• commandeer
• disappear

Kids Definition

interfere

verb

in·​ter·​fere ˌint-ə(r)-ˈfi(ə)r 

interfered; interfering

1

: to come in collision or be in opposition : clash

his arrival interfered with our plans

2

: to take part in the concerns of others

don't interfere with our negotiations

3

: to act on one another

interfering light waves

interferer noun

Medical Definition

interfere

intransitive verb

in·​ter·​fere ˌint-ə(r)-ˈfi(ə)r 

interfered; interfering

1

: to strike one foot against the opposite foot or ankle in walking or running

—used especially of horses

2

: to act reciprocally so as to augment, diminish, or otherwise affect one another

—used of waves

3

: to be inconsistent with and disturb the performance of previously learned behavior

Legal Definition

interfere

intransitive verb

in·​ter·​fere

interfered; interfering

1

: to act in a way that impedes or obstructs others

2

: to enter into the concerns of others