Interfere Meaning and Definition
Interfere
Pronunciation
/ˈɪntərˌfɪər/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To come between or interrupt the action or progress of something; to intervene or meddle in a situation or activity.
Examples
- The noise from the construction site interfered with the peaceful atmosphere of the neighborhood.
- Her friends tried to interfere with her decision, but she made up her mind.
Synonyms
- Interrupt
- Meddle
- Interject
Antonyms
- Observe
- Ignore
- Abstain
Etymology
The word “interfere” comes from the Latin words “inter” meaning “between” and “ferre” meaning “to bear” or “to carry”. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century.
Usage Notes
When using the word “interfere”, it’s essential to consider the context and the level of intervention. For example, in a medical setting, a doctor may need to interfere with a patient’s treatment plan, while in a social situation, it’s generally considered impolite to interfere with someone’s personal decisions.
Cultural References
The concept of interfering with someone’s life or decisions has been explored in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, the novel “The Stranger” by Albert Camus features a character who tries to interfere with the protagonist’s life, while the TV show “Breaking Bad” explores the consequences of interfering with the law.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To interfere with someone’s business
- To interfere with someone’s affairs
- To interfere with someone’s plans
Related Words or Phrases
- Intervene
- Meddle
- Interject
- Obstruct
Collocations
- Interfere with someone’s plans
- Interfere with someone’s work
- Interfere with someone’s life
Frequency of Use
The word “interfere” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in situations where someone is trying to intervene or meddle in a situation.
Common Misspellings
- Interfear
- Interfare
- Interfaree
Additional Information
Interfering with someone’s life or decisions can have significant consequences, both positive and negative. In some cases, interfering can lead to positive outcomes, such as preventing harm or resolving a conflict. However, in other cases, interfering can lead to negative outcomes, such as causing resentment or damaging relationships.
It’s essential to consider the context and the level of intervention when deciding whether to interfere with someone’s life or decisions. It’s also crucial to be mindful of one’s own motivations and biases, as these can influence the decision to interfere.
Ultimately, interfering with someone’s life or decisions should be done with caution and respect for the individual’s autonomy. It’s essential to weigh the potential benefits and risks of interfering and to consider alternative solutions that may be more effective and less intrusive.