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Meddled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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meddled

[หˆmษ›dld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

interfere carelessly

The term 'meddled' refers to the act of interfering in someone else's affairs or activities in an unwelcome or intrusive manner. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the involvement is unnecessary and can cause complications. When someone meddles, they may not only disrupt but also create frustration for those directly involved. This behavior is typically associated with a lack of respect for boundaries and personal privacy.

Synonyms

infringe, interfere, intrude, nose, obtrude.

Examples of usage

  • She meddled in their relationship despite their wishes.
  • He always meddles with my work, making it harder to concentrate.
  • My neighbors often meddle in my gardening decisions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Context

  • In many cultures, meddling is often viewed negatively, suggesting a lack of respect for personal boundaries.
  • Literature often depicts meddling characters as either comic relief or as antagonists, illustrating the chaos that can ensue from unwanted interference.

Psychology

  • Psychologists suggest that those who meddle may often struggle with their own boundaries, projecting their insecurities onto others.
  • Conflict resolution studies indicate that meddling can escalate tensions rather than resolve issues, as it often disregards the primary parties involved.

Pop Culture

  • In films and TV shows, meddlesome characters are commonly portrayed as quirky neighbors or friends, adding humor to situations.
  • The classic phrase 'mind your own business' often comes into play concerning meddling, reinforcing the idea that some matters are best left alone.

Literature

  • Classic novels like 'Pride and Prejudice' showcase characters that meddle in relationships, illustrating the potential for both drama and comedy.
  • Meddling is a recurring theme in Shakespeare's plays, where characters often interfere in others' lives, leading to unexpected consequences.

Origin of 'meddled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'medler', which means 'to mix' or 'to meddle'.
  • Its roots can be traced back to Latin 'meddฤ•re', meaning 'to mix' or 'to meddle', highlighting the idea of interference.

The word 'meddled' originates from the Middle English word 'meddlen', which is derived from the Old English 'mรฆdian', meaning to mix or to interfere. The concept of meddling has been present in various forms throughout history, often associated with a certain degree of disapproval. In its early use, the term described blending or mixing elements together, but it gradually evolved to take on the negative implication of unwanted interference. This change in meaning reflects societal attitudes toward personal boundaries and respect for others' affairs. Over time, the word has solidified its place in the English language as a description of intrusive behavior, often leading to complications or conflicts.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,523 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.