meddle

play

verb med·dle \ˈme-d^əl\

Definition of meddle

meddled

;

meddling

play \ˈmed-liŋ, ˈme-d^əl-iŋ\

intransitive verb
: to interest oneself in what is not one's concern : interfere without right or propriety (see propriety 3) I never meddle in other people's private affairs — G. B. Shaw

meddler

play \ˈmed-lər, ˈme-d^əl-ər\ noun

See meddle defined for English-language learners

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Examples of meddle in a Sentence

please stop meddling in your sister's marriage, even though you mean well

Recent Examples of meddle from the Web

Representative Adam Schiff (Calif.), who has always helped make a partisan mockery of the Russia-meddling investigation, claims that the meeting is now being used against the Trump team as kompromat, or Russian-style political blackmail.

— david harsanyi, National Review, "Trump Jr.’s Meeting Might Not Rise to Treason," 14 July 2017
Surely Robert Mueller, the Justice Department special counsel examining whether members of the Trump campaign colluded with Russian officials to meddle in the 2016 election to benefit Donald Trump the Elder, appreciates Junior's transparency here.

— jack holmes, Esquire, "Twitter Will Probably Bring Down the Trump Family," 11 July 2017
The two had their first official sit-down since Trump took office, during which Putin denied that Russia meddled in the 2016 election and Trump apparently bought it.

— gabriella paiella, The Cut, "Melania Trump Was Reportedly Unsuccessful in Breaking Up a Meeting Between Trump and Putin," 7 July 2017
Ever Elsewhere in the episodes, suspicions surrounding Huger’s move are revealed, Dixon calls out Darby for meddling in her relationship, and Monique drops a sassy freestyle rap that ruffles everyone’s feathers.

— dave quinn, PEOPLE.com, "Accusations of Infidelity & Open Relationships Cause Big Brawls in Real Housewives of Potomac Reunion Trailer," 29 June 2017
Since the Obama Administration was told way before the 2016 Election that the Russians were meddling, why no action?

— amy b wang, kansascity.com, "Trump accuses Clinton of colluding with Democrats to defeat ‘Crazy Bernie Sanders’," 25 June 2017
Conservatives believe programs that tax the rich and benefit the poor illegitimately meddle with the natural and correct distribution of wealth produced by the marketplace.

— jonathan chait, Daily Intelligencer, "Social Darwinism Is What Truly Guides Trump," 25 June 2017
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Mayors are warning President Donald Trump that toughening immigration enforcement meddles with U.S. cities’ affairs.

— marcos martinez, The Seattle Times, "Mayors to Trump: immigration orders meddle with cities," 24 June 2017
White House aides this week said the president isn't denying Russia tried to meddle in the election.

— mike debonis and john wagner, chicagotribune.com, "White House will step up lobbying against sanctions bill now stalled in Congress," 23 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'meddle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of meddle

Middle English medlen, from Anglo-French mesler, medler, from Vulgar Latin *misculare, from Latin miscēre to mix — more at mix

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First Known Use: 14th century

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MEDDLE Defined for English Language Learners

meddle

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verb

Definition of meddle for English Language Learners

: to become involved in the activities and concerns of other people when your involvement is not wanted
: to change or handle something in a way that is unwanted or harmful