meddle

[ med-l ]

verb (used without object)

, med·dled, med·dling.

1. to involve oneself in a matter without right or invitation; interfere officiously and unwantedly:

   Stop meddling in my personal life!

   Synonyms: pry, intrude, intervene

meddle

/ ˈmɛdəl /

verb

1. usually foll by with to interfere officiously or annoyingly
2. usually foll by in to involve oneself unwarrantedly

   to meddle in someone's private affairs

Derived Forms

• ˈmeddling, adjective
• ˈmeddlingly, adverb
• ˈmeddler, noun

Other Words From

• med·dler noun
• o·ver·med·dle verb (used without object) overmeddled overmeddling
• un·med·dled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of meddle¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English medlen, from Old French me(s)dler, variant of mesler “to mix,” from Vulgar Latin misculāre (unrecorded), frequentative of Latin miscēre

Word History and Origins

Origin of meddle¹

C14: from Old French medler, ultimately from Latin miscēre to mix

Example Sentences

There was a steady stream of disinformation and multiple attempts by Russia to meddle in the electoral process this year.

From Los Angeles Times

He has also said that he does not want the FBI to "meddle" in his case.

From BBC

He has also said that he does not want the US Federal Bureau of Investigation to "meddle" in his case.

From BBC

Scott, who says he personally hates receiving advice, didn’t want to meddle with Álvarez’s process too much.

From Los Angeles Times

There have been previous claims that Charles was trying to “meddle” in government policy which he should not be doing as a member of the Royal Family.

From BBC

Related Words

• hinder
• impede
• impose
• infringe
• intrude
• tamper