in·ter·fer·ence 
/ˌɪntɚˈfirəns/ noun
/ˌɪntɚˈfirəns/ noun [noncount] 1 : involvement in the activities and concerns of other people when your involvement is not wanted : the act of interfering
▪ We had to put up with loud noise and constant interference from the neighbors. ▪ interference in the affairs of another nation ▪ trying to avoid governmental interference 2 : additional signals that weaken or block the main signal in a radio or television broadcast
▪ It was hard to hear the radio program because of all the interference. ▪ electrical interference ▪ The TV picture had a lot of interference. 3 sports : the act of illegally hitting or getting in the way of an opponent
▪ a hockey player receiving a penalty for interference
▪ We had to put up with loud noise and constant interference from the neighbors. ▪ interference in the affairs of another nation ▪ trying to avoid governmental interference
▪ It was hard to hear the radio program because of all the interference. ▪ electrical interference ▪ The TV picture had a lot of interference.
▪ a hockey player receiving a penalty for interference
run interference
American football : to run in front of the player who is carrying the ball in order to block opponents — often used figuratively ▪ He was able to survive the scandal only because he had several clever assistants who ran interference for him.
