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interfere

in·ter·fere

interfere

 
 
pronunciation:
In tr fir
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word History, Word Parts
part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: interferes, interfering, interfered
definition 1: to be or come between with the effect of hampering or impeding (usu. fol. by "with").
His work interferes with his ability to spend time with his family.Talking on the telephone can interfere with safe driving.
synonyms:
block, hamper, hinder, impede, obstruct
similar words:
impair, inhibit, intervene, thwart
definition 2: to meddle, intrude, or show an unwelcome interest, esp. in the affairs of others (usu. fol. by "with" or "in").
The other team got a home run because a fan interfered in the play.My mother-in-law is always interfering in our lives.He doesn't want us to go, so he keeps trying to interfere with our plans.
synonyms:
butt in, intrude, meddle
similar words:
intervene, kibitz, nose, poke
definition 3: in sports, to impede the movement of the ball or an opponent in a prohibited way.
similar words:
block
definition 4: in physics and electronics, to generate interference, esp. with another wave or signal.
similar words:
jam, scramble
definition 5: to force oneself upon sexually (fol. by "with").
Fortunately, there was no evidence to show that the girl had been interfered with.
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derivations: interferingly (adv.), interferer (n.)
Word History
Interfere comes from an early French word that means "to strike or knock together." The French word referred to the horseshoe striking the lower part of a horse's leg, which would interfere with the horse's gait.
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