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Meddling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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meddling

[หˆmษ›dษ™lษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

interfere without right or permission

To involve oneself in a matter without right or invitation; to push oneself into other people's affairs or business without being asked or wanted.

Synonyms

interfere, interlope, intrude.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
meddling

Used when someone involves themselves in matters that do not concern them, often leading to negative consequences. It has a negative connotation.

  • Stop meddling in my personal affairs!
  • Her meddling caused more problems than solutions.
interfere

Used when someone gets involved in a situation where their input is not wanted and often complicates things. It can have a broader use than 'meddling' and may not always be negative.

  • The loud noise interfered with my concentration.
  • Try not to interfere with their relationship.
intrude

Used to describe the act of unwelcomely entering someone elseโ€™s space or a situation. This word often implies physical presence and has a negative connotation.

  • I didn't mean to intrude, but I heard you talking about me.
  • The reporter intruded on their private moment.
interlope

Used when someone intrudes or involves themselves in an area or situation where they are not welcome, often for their own gain. It is rarely used in everyday conversation and has a negative implication.

  • The old pirate was known to interlope on foreign trades.
  • He was seen as an interloper in the exclusive club.

Examples of usage

  • She was always meddling in other people's business.
  • Stop meddling in things that don't concern you.
Context #2 | Noun

interference in other people's affairs

Interference in or involvement in other people's affairs without invitation or permission.

Synonyms

intercession, interference, intervention.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
meddling

Meddling is used when someone is interfering in someone else's affairs without permission and often causing problems. This term has a negative connotation.

  • She was always meddling in her friends' relationships, which caused unnecessary drama.
  • His constant meddling in the company's internal matters annoyed the staff.
interference

Interference means getting involved in something in a way that is not wanted or is obstructive. It often carries a negative connotation, implying interruption or unwanted influence.

  • The interference of the government in the company's policies created significant turmoil.
  • She resented the interference from her family in her personal decisions.
intercession

Intercession refers to intervening on behalf of someone, often in a formal or religious context, to plead for their cause or seek a favor. It is usually seen in a more positive and altruistic light.

  • The priest's intercession was believed to have saved the village from disaster.
  • His earnest intercession with the manager led to a reconsideration of the decision.
intervention

Intervention is commonly used to describe stepping in to prevent or alter a situation, typically to improve it. This term can be neutral or positive, depending on the context.

  • The timely intervention of the firefighters prevented the building from burning down.
  • Medical intervention was necessary to save the patient's life.

Examples of usage

  • She couldn't resist the temptation to engage in meddling.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeareโ€™s plays, characters often meddle in others' lives, leading to chaos and misunderstandings.
  • In 'Pride and Prejudice', characters meddle in relationships, shaping the fates of others in ways they don't intend.

Psychology

  • Interfering in others' affairs can sometimes stem from a desire for control or fear of abandonment.
  • Psychologists suggest that those who meddle may struggle with their own insecurities and amplify stress in their own lives.

Pop Culture

  • The term is often used in reality TV shows where cast members meddle in each other's relationships, creating drama.
  • In many animated series, characters who meddle usually end up in humorous trouble, teaching lessons about boundaries.

History

  • Throughout history, nations have meddled in the affairs of others, often leading to conflicts and strong political ramifications.
  • During the Cold War, superpowers frequently meddled in the politics of smaller nations, shaping global dynamics.

Origin of 'meddling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'medler', meaning to mix or interfere.
  • It has also been linked to the Middle English term 'meddlen', suggesting a sense of involvement or interference.

The word 'meddling' originated from the Middle English word 'medlen' which means 'to mix or mingle'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of interfering or intruding into other people's affairs. The concept of meddling has been present in human interactions throughout history, often associated with notions of boundary-crossing and unwanted intervention.

See also: meddler, meddlesome.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,900, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.