meddle

American  

[med-l] / ˈmɛd l /

verb (used without object)

meddled, meddling

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

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meddle British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• meddler noun
• meddling adjective
• meddlingly adverb
• overmeddle verb (used without object)
• unmeddled adjective

Etymology

Origin of meddle

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

Example Sentences

It was not intended to meddle, fiddle or interfere with internal domestic affairs in the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

Public policy advocates and experts expressed concern about state lawmakers using their power to meddle with local housing projects, especially when carving out exemptions from laws they’ve imposed on everyone else in the state.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025

It’s actually quite problematic that some perversely rich guys meddle in our affairs in their own way.

From Slate • Nov. 19, 2025

President Hassan warned at the time that she would not allow activists from neighbouring countries to "meddle" in Tanzania's affairs.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2025

And who would want to meddle with such a grave?

From "Beyond the Bright Sea" by Lauren Wolk

Related Words

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