meddling

[ med-ling ]

adjective

1. interfering or getting involved in a matter without any right or invitation:

   Comedic complications arise when a meddling friend attempts to rekindle the spark in the couple’s tired marriage.

noun

1. the act or habit of interfering or getting involved in something without any right or invitation:

   The company will work independently, and there won't be any meddling by the government.

Other Words From

• med·dling·ly adverb
• un·med·dling adjective
• un·med·dling·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of meddling¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; meddle ( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective; meddle ( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun

Example Sentences

But Russia accused the UK of meddling in Sudanese affairs without involving Sudan itself.

From BBC

It didn't take long for Elon Musk to be accused of meddling in Italy’s domestic affairs.

From BBC

The prospect of federal health policy resembling Kennedy's meddling in Samoa and Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has scientists and doctors worrying of a looming health disaster under their watch.

From Salon

The department’s independence from political meddling is a long-standing norm, but it isn’t protected by law.

From Los Angeles Times

These included a prohibition on White House meddling in Justice Department prosecutions that took on canonical status.

From Los Angeles Times