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Definition of meddle

meddle

/ˈmɛd.əl/
med · dle
Adjective:meddlesome
•
Past Simple:meddled
•
Past Participle:meddled
•
Present Participle:meddling
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meddle Lexical Profile

meddle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To interfere in something that is not one's concern or responsibility, typically in an intrusive or unwelcome manner.

Example

"She politely asked her relatives not to meddle in her career decisions."

2

To touch, handle, or alter an object or system without permission or competence (usually followed by 'with').

Example

"Someone has been meddling with the thermostat settings in the main office."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for meddle
Antonyms
View all antonyms for meddle

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'meddle' (to interfere intrusively) with its homophones 'medal' (an award), 'metal' (a chemical element or material), or 'mettle' (courage and resilience). It is an intransitive verb almost always followed by the prepositions 'in' or 'with'.

• Rhymes for meddle

• Nearby Words

medalist
medallion
medan
meddle
meddler
meddlesome
meddlesomeness

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into Middle English from Anglo-Norman 'medler' and Old French 'mesler' (meaning 'to mix' or 'to mingle'), ultimately deriving from Vulgar Latin 'misculare', a frequentative form of Latin 'miscere' ('to mix').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Meddle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/meddle
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