C1verb 2K

Interfere

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˌɪntəˈfɪə(r)/","/ˌɪntəˈfɪəz/","/ˌɪntəˈfɪəd/","/ˌɪntəˈfɪərɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˌɪntərˈfɪr/","/ˌɪntərˈfɪrz/","/ˌɪntərˈfɪrd/","/ˌɪntərˈfɪrɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Interfere

to get involved in and try to influence a situation that should not really involve you, in a way that annoys other people

In simple words: To get in the way of something or someone.

Interfere in a sentence

• I wish my parents would stop interfering and let me make my own decisions.
• The police are very unwilling to interfere in family problems.
• If you try and interfere in my life, I'll leave.
• The court will not lightly interfere while an interim order is in place.
• The courts are reluctant to interfere in these matters.
• The judge cannot interfere directly in these proceedings.
• They have no right to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.
• Why was he constantly interfering in her life?
• outsiders interfering in local politics
• You can listen in, but don't try to interfere in any way.

How to use Interfere

Use 'interfere' in situations where someone or something disrupts another's activities. It's generally neutral but can be negative in formal contexts, like in work or legal matters.

Grammar pattern

interfere + with / in + object

Memory hint

Think of 'interfere' as 'in the way, fear' — something blocking your path, causing fear.

Related words

Collocations with Interfere

• seriously
• directly
• constantly
• be allowed to
• have a right to
• attempt to
• in
• with

Synonyms for Interfere

• hinder
• obstruct
• interrupt
• intrude
• intervene

Opposites of Interfere

• assist
• help
• support

Common mistakes with Interfere

• 'Interfere' is often confused with 'intervene', which has a slightly different meaning.
• Learners sometimes use 'interfere' without a preposition, which can sound awkward.
• Using 'interfere' when talking about positive involvement instead of negative disruption.

Frequently asked questions about Interfere

What does Interfere mean?

To get in the way of something or someone.

What is the definition of Interfere?

to get involved in and try to influence a situation that should not really involve you, in a way that annoys other people

How do you use Interfere in a sentence?

I wish my parents would stop interfering and let me make my own decisions.

Can you give another example of Interfere?

The police are very unwilling to interfere in family problems.

What are synonyms for Interfere?

Common alternatives include hinder, obstruct, interrupt, intrude, intervene.

What is the opposite of Interfere?

Opposite meanings include assist, help, support.

What words go with Interfere?

It commonly pairs with seriously, directly, constantly, be allowed to, have a right to, attempt to, in, with.

What are common mistakes when using Interfere?

'Interfere' is often confused with 'intervene', which has a slightly different meaning. Learners sometimes use 'interfere' without a preposition, which can sound awkward. Using 'interfere' when talking about positive involvement instead of negative disruption.

How do you pronounce Interfere?

US: /["/ˌɪntərˈfɪr/","/ˌɪntərˈfɪrz/","/ˌɪntərˈfɪrd/","/ˌɪntərˈfɪrɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˌɪntəˈfɪə(r)/","/ˌɪntəˈfɪəz/","/ˌɪntəˈfɪəd/","/ˌɪntəˈfɪərɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Interfere?

Use 'interfere' in situations where someone or something disrupts another's activities. It's generally neutral but can be negative in formal contexts, like in work or legal matters.

What CEFR level is Interfere?

"Interfere" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.