Interfere: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone gets involved in a situation where their involvement is not wanted or needed. Usually has a negative connotation.

• He tends to interfere in other people's business
• Please don't interfere with my work

Applied when someone steps in to help, settle a dispute, or prevent something from happening. Generally, this word has a neutral or positive connotation.

• The teacher had to intervene to stop the fight
• The government needs to intervene in the economic crisis

Describes unwanted or annoying involvement in someone else’s affairs. Often has a strongly negative connotation.

• She warned him not to meddle in her personal matters
• He has a tendency to meddle with others' decisions

Refers to entering a situation or place without permission, often causing inconvenience. Usually has a negative connotation.

• I didn't mean to intrude on your privacy
• She felt he was intruding on her personal space

Used when someone or something is blocking progress or making it difficult for something to happen. Typically has a negative connotation.

• The fallen tree obstructed the road
• His actions are likely to obstruct the legal process

Used when someone gets involved in a situation where their involvement is not wanted or needed, often leading to complications. Typically has a negative connotation.

• Please don't interfere with my work.
• Parents should not interfere too much in their children's lives.

Used when an action causes a situation, process, or activity to be interrupted or thrown into disorder. This word may be neutral but often carries a slightly negative tone.

• The loud noise disrupted our meeting.
• Protesters aimed to disrupt the event.

Used when someone is causing someone else to stop what they are doing or to feel uncomfortable. Often carries a negative connotation.

• Don't disturb him while he's sleeping.
• She was disturbed by the strange noises outside.

Used when something or someone is blocking a path, view, or progress deliberately. This word is generally negative.

• The parked car obstructed the driveway.
• Efforts to obstruct the investigation were punished.