interfere

/ˌˈɪntərˌˈfɪər/

/ɪntəˈfɪə/

Other forms: interfered; interfering; interferes

To interfere is to try to stop something from happening. If you get into a fight on the street, people passing by might try to interfere so no one gets hurt.

Many countries resent it when other countries interfere (get involved) in their internal affairs, just as people often dislike it when others interfere in their personal affairs. In this sense interfere is the opposite of minding one's business. On airplanes you're not allowed to use cellphones because, it's said, they interfere with the plane’s navigational systems.

Definitions of interfere

1. verb

   get involved, so as to alter or hinder an action, or through force or threat of force
   synonyms: interpose, intervene, step in

   types:

   meddle, tamper

   intrude in other people's affairs or business; interfere unwantedly

   interlope

   encroach on the rights of others, as in trading without a proper license

   type of:

   interact

   act together or towards others or with others
2. verb

   come between so as to be a hindrance or obstacle
   “Your talking interferes with my work!”

   type of:

   hinder, impede

   be a hindrance or obstacle to