intermeddling
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌɪntərˈmɛd.lɪŋ/
KK: /ɪntərˈmɛdəlɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The act of interfering in someone else's affairs or business without being invited or welcome.
Example
His intermeddling in their relationship caused a lot of tension between them.
Conversation
I really don't like his constant intermeddling in my business.
Yeah, it can be really frustrating when people can't respect boundaries.
Exactly! I just wish he would focus on his own life instead.
Totally agree, it's much better to stay out of other people's affairs.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
interference
intrusion
meddling
Antonyms
detachment
separation
independence
verb
Definition
To involve oneself in someone else's affairs or business without being asked or invited.
Example
She was accused of intermeddling in the negotiations between the two companies.
Tense Forms
Past: intermeddled
Past Participle: intermeddled
Conversation
I heard you've been intermeddling in your neighbor's garden again.
Yeah, I just wanted to help them with their plants.
But you know they like to do things their own way, right?
Root Explanation
Intermeddling → It is formed from "inter-" (meaning between) and "meddle" (from Middle English *meddlen*, meaning to interfere or involve oneself). The word describes the act of interfering or involving oneself in the affairs of others, particularly in a way that is unwelcome or intrusive.
Memory Tip
Think of someone 'interfering' ('inter-') in matters that don't concern them ('meddle'). This helps you remember that intermeddling means to intrude into others' affairs.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.