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- pronunciation:
- In
t
 r
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
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| 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
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| definition 3: |
in sports, to impede the movement of the ball or an opponent in a prohibited way.
- similar words:
- block
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| definition 4: |
in physics and electronics, to generate interference, esp. with another wave or signal.
- similar words:
- jam, scramble
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| definition 5: |
to force oneself upon sexually (fol. by "with").
Fortunately, there was no evidence to show that the girl had been interfered with. |
| related words: |
block, mess, pry, tamper |
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| derivations: |
interferingly (adv.), interferer (n.) |
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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