interference
interference Lexical Profile
interference Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The action of meddling, intervening, or getting involved in a situation or process without invitation or necessity, often in a way that hinders or obstructs.
"The committee insisted on conducting its investigation without any political interference."
The disturbance or degradation of an electrical, radio, or telecommunication signal caused by extraneous electromagnetic energy or competing signals.
"Heavy solar activity caused severe radio interference across the northern hemisphere."
In physics, the combination or superposition of two or more waveforms of the same or closely related frequency, resulting in a mutually reinforced or canceled wave pattern.
"The iridescent colors on a soap bubble are produced by the thin-film interference of light waves."
North American In sports such as American football, ice hockey, and baseball, the illegal obstruction of an opponent who is attempting to catch a ball, play the puck, or run the bases.
"The referee threw a flag on the cornerback for pass interference in the end zone."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'intervention' can be neutral or helpful (such as medical or diplomatic intervention), 'interference' almost always carries a negative connotation of unwanted, intrusive, or obstructive meddling.
• Rhymes for interference
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the late 18th century from the verb 'interfere' plus the suffix '-ence'. 'Interfere' derives from Old French 'entreferir' (to strike each other), from Latin 'inter-' (between) and 'ferire' (to strike), originally used in veterinary contexts to describe a horse knocking its fetlocks together while trotting.