verb

interfere

in-ter-FEER/ˌɪntərˈfɪr/

To hinder something from working smoothly.

The woman interferes with the painting by turning the canvas beneath the moving brush.

A woman interferes with a man's painting by turning his tabletop canvas while his brush is touching it, causing an obvious stray streak; he raises his free hand to stop her.

Etymology

The “between” and “strike” pieces originally described exchanging blows or striking each other. That physical opposition became figurative meddling: getting involved in a way that obstructs someone else’s activity.

In context

Dr. Rege1:44

… the lack of sleep starts to interfere with the thalamus the relay station for sensory information and this is why your focus falters

What Sleep Deprivation Does to Your Brain—Hour by Hour

More examples

Heavy snow interferes with deliveries throughout the city.
Nearby electronics can interfere with the radio signal.
Her persistent cough is interfering with her sleep.

Forms

interfere · interferes · interfered · interfering

interference noun — Disruption that prevents something from working smoothly.

Similar words

hinder: Slows progress or makes an activity more difficult.
obstruct: Blocks a path, process, or action more directly.
disrupt: Interrupts normal activity or throws it into disorder.