Word: Interference

Pronunciation

/ˌɪntərˈfɛrəns/

Definitions

• Noun: The action of interfering, especially by obstructing, hindering, or disrupting something. It can also refer to the effect of such action. For example: “The radio interference made it difficult to hear the broadcast clearly.”
  • In physics, it specifically refers to the disturbance caused to waves (such as light, sound, or radio) when two or more waves combine, resulting in a change to the original waveform.
  • In sports, it often denotes an illegal act that impedes or hinders a player during play.

Example sentence: “Neighbors’ Wi-Fi signals can cause interference with your own connection.”

• Verb: (interfere) To involve oneself in a situation without right or invitation, typically so as to be annoying or cause difficulty. For example: “I don’t want to interfere in their personal affairs.”

Example sentence: “Parents should not interfere too much in their children’s decision-making process.”

Phrases

• “Signal interference”: Occurs when a signal is disrupted by another signal or noise.
• “Radio frequency interference (RFI)”: Refers to unwanted electromagnetic energy that disrupts radio communications.
• “Unintentional interference”: Happens when a device or system emits radiofrequency energy unintentionally and causes degradation to other receivers.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “Electromagnetic interference from nearby power lines was affecting our equipment.”
• Verb: “He tried not to interfere with her work, but his curiosity got the better of him.”

Synonyms

• Obstruction
• Hindrance
• Disruption
• Intrusion
• Meddling
• Disturbance
• Intervention
• Involvement (when used as a verb)
• Jamming (in the context of signal interference)