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interfere

v.
US //ˌɪnɝˈfɪɹ// UK //ˌɪntəfˈiə// in·ter·fere
  1. 1 to meddle (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to get involved in a situation where you are not wanted or needed.

    to intervene in a situation without invitation, typically causing an obstruction or annoyance.

    Example

    I wish my parents would stop trying to interfere in my private life.

    Example

    The local government was accused of trying to interfere in the judicial process, sparking a debate about the separation of powers.

    Usage

    Usually takes the preposition 'in' for situations or 'with' for processes and people.
    Pitfall
    He interfered my work.
    He interfered with my work.

    The verb 'interfere' is intransitive and requires the preposition 'with' when followed by an object.

  2. 2 to obstruct or block (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to prevent something from happening or working the way it should.

    to hinder or impede the progress or operation of something.

    Example

    The loud music from the party began to interfere with my sleep.

    Example

    The presence of large metal structures can interfere with radio signals, causing significant communication delays for the rescue team.

    Usage

    Almost always followed by the preposition 'with'.
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  1. 3 physics of waves (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    when two waves (like light or sound) meet and change each other.

    the interaction of two or more waves of the same frequency that results in a new wave pattern.

    Example

    The two sets of waves interfere to create a pattern of light and dark spots.

    Example

    When two coherent light sources interfere, they produce a stable fringe pattern that can be used to measure extremely small distances.
  2. 4 to sexually abuse (v.)
    C2 Proficiency British English Formal Law

    a formal or polite way to say someone sexually abused a child.

    to sexually molest or abuse a person, particularly a minor.

    Example

    The man was charged with interfering with a child under the age of ten.

    Example

    The defendant faced multiple counts of interfering with minors while serving as a volunteer at the youth centre.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a common euphemism in British legal contexts; it is highly sensitive and should be used with extreme caution.
Origin

From Old French entreferir, from entre- + ferir (“to hit, to strike”), itself from the Latin verb ferio.

Word family

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