Interference

Definition

The act of intervening or becoming involved in a situation, often leading to unwanted complications or disturbances, especially the prevention of a process from continuing or being carried out properly.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

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

British English

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

In both dialects, "interference" 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-uhns" (American) and "in-tuh-FEER-uhns" (British).

Etymology

From the verb "interfere", derived from the Latin "inter-" meaning "between" and "ferire" meaning "to strike". The suffix "-ence" is used to form nouns that refer to an action, process, state, or quality. Hence, "interference" refers to the act or state of interfering.

Derivatives

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

Synonyms

• Intervention
• Intrusion
• Meddling

Antonyms

• Noninterference
• Avoidance
• Disregard

Usage

Interference is used in various contexts including sports, communication, and physics, to denote actions or phenomena that interrupt or impede normal functioning or processes.

Related Terms

• Disruption
• Disturbance
• Interject
• Interpose
• Obstruction

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Interference (Noun, General): The act of intervening in a situation without invitation or necessity, causing disruption or hindrance.
  • Example: "The constant interference from management slowed down the project."

• Interference (Noun, Physics): A phenomenon in which two waves superpose to form a resultant wave of greater, lower, or the same amplitude.
  • Example: "The interference pattern created by the overlapping light waves was fascinating to observe."

• Interference (Noun, Sports): An illegal obstruction of an opponent, especially in American football and hockey.
  • Example: "He was penalized for interference during the crucial play."

Note: While "interference" often carries a negative connotation in interpersonal or technical contexts, in some fields, like physics, it might be used in a more neutral or technical sense, referring to wave behaviors.