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

See meddle defined for kids

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

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, "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
Liles was testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is investigating Russia's efforts to meddle in the 2016 presidential election, and his remarks add some clarity to the breadth of the Kremlin's cyber mischief.

— matt zapotosky, Alaska Dispatch News, "Russian government hackers tried to enter election systems in 21 states, officials tells senators", 21 June 2017
Schinas fully knows the EU had burned itself before when trying to meddle too meticulously in the way its 500 million citizens eat.

— raf casert, The Seattle Times, "EU takes fat out of fire: Belgian fries are out of danger", 20 June 2017
In announcing the deal, the four senators cited Russia’s meddling with last year’s election, as well as its actions in Ukraine and Syria.

— terrence dopp, Bloomberg.com, "Expanded Russia Sanctions Gain Bipartisan Support in Senate", 13 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

play

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