— interferer , n. — interferingly , adv.
/in'teuhr fear"/ , v.i. , interfered, interfering .
1. to come into opposition, as one thing with another, esp. with the effect of hampering action or procedure (often fol. by with ): Constant distractions interfere with work.
2. to take part in the affairs of others; meddle (often fol. by with or in ): to interfere in another's life.
3. (of things) to strike against each other, or one against another, so as to hamper or hinder action; come into physical collision.
4. to interpose or intervene for a particular purpose.
5. to strike one foot or leg against another in moving, as a horse.
6. Sports.
a. to obstruct the action of an opposing player in a way barred by the rules.
b. Football. to run interference for a teammate carrying the ball.
7. Physics. to cause interference.
8. to clash; come in collision; be in opposition: The claims of two nations may interfere.
9. Law. to claim earlier invention when several patent requests for the same invention are being filed.
10. interfere with , Chiefly Brit. to molest sexually.
[ 1520-30; INTER- + -fere ferire to strike; modeled on MF s'entreferir ]
Syn. 2. pry, intrude, encroach, interlope. 4. intercede.