Interfere

Definition

To become involved in the activities and concerns of others when your involvement is not wanted.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɪntərˈfɪr/
• Respelling: in-ter-FEER (with "in" as in "tin," "ter" as in "her," and "FEER" as in "fear")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɪntəˈfɪər/
• Respelling: in-tuh-FEER (with "in" as in "tin," "tuh" as in "sofa," and "FEER" as in "fear")

In both dialects, "interfere" places the primary stress on the third syllable, "FEER." The American pronunciation includes a pronounced "ter" sound, while the British pronunciation has a softer "tuh" sound. The articulation focuses on "in-ter-FEER" (American) and "in-tuh-FEER" (British).

Etymology

Derived from the Latin "inter-" meaning "between" and "ferire" meaning "to strike". Originally, it referred to the act of striking between or among, which evolved to mean intervening or meddling inappropriately.

Derivatives

• Interference (noun)
• Interfering (verb, present participle)
• Interfered (verb, past tense)
• Interferer (noun)
• Interferential (adjective)

Synonyms

• Meddle
• Intrude
• Intervene

Antonyms

• Ignore
• Overlook
• Neglect

Usage

"Interfere" is commonly used in various contexts such as everyday conversation, sports, and scientific discussions to denote the act of intervening in a way that disrupts or hinders.

Related Terms

• Meddling
• Intrusion
• Intervention
• Interposition
• Intercession

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Interfere (Verb, General): To involve oneself in a situation without invitation, often causing disruption or difficulty.
  • Example: "Please don't interfere with their plans; they can handle it themselves."

• Interfere (Verb, Physics): For waves to overlap and combine to form a new wave pattern, either amplifying or diminishing the resultant wave.
  • Example: "When the sound waves interfere, they create a unique interference pattern."

• Interfere (Verb, Sports): To obstruct or impede an opponent illegally.
  • Example: "The player was penalized for interfering with the opponent during the game."

Note: The term "interfere" is often used in both interpersonal contexts, where someone is meddling in others' affairs, and in scientific contexts, where waves or signals disrupt each other.