from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Interfere \In`ter*fere"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Interfered}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Interfering}.] [OF. entreferir to strike each
other; entre between (L. inter) + OF. ferir to strike, F.
f['e]rir, fr. L. ferire. See {Ferula}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. To come in collision; to be in opposition; to clash; --
usually used with with; as, interfering claims, or
commands; workers in a crowded shop may interfere with
each other's activity.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
2. To enter into, or take a part in, the concerns of others;
to intermeddle; to interpose; -- used with in or with; as,
to interfere with the way I raise my children.
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To interfere with party disputes. --Swift.
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There was no room for anyone to interfere with his
own opinions. --Bp.
Warburton.
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3. To strike one foot against the opposite foot or ankle in
using the legs; -- sometimes said of a human being, but
usually of a horse; as, the horse interferes.
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4. (Physics) To act reciprocally, so as to augment, diminish,
or otherwise affect one another; -- said of waves, rays of
light, heat, etc. See {Interference}, 2.
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5. (Patent Law) To cover the same ground; to claim the same
invention; as, to interfere with another patent.
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Syn: To interpose; intermeddle. See {Interpose}.
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