VocabDictionary

meddling

/ˈmɛd.lɪŋ/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The act of interfering in or busybodying with the affairs of others, especially when unwanted.

Example Sentences:
  • His constant meddling in the project caused significant delays and frustration among the team.
  • She was tired of her neighbor's meddling in her personal family matters.
2.adjective

Inclined to interfere in other people's concerns; intrusive.

Example Sentences:
  • The meddling aunt asked far too many questions about my finances.
  • He grew weary of his meddling coworkers who always had an opinion on his work habits.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “meddling”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'medlen' (to mix, mingle), which originated from the Old French 'medler' and the Vulgar Latin 'misculare'. The sense evolved from the neutral act of mixing things together to the pejorative sense of interfering in the affairs of others, implying an unwanted 'mixing' into someone else's business.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of someone 'meddling' in your business like a 'middle-man' who keeps inserting himself where he doesn't belong.

Frequently Asked Questions About “meddling

1. What is the meaning of “meddling” in English?

In English, meddling (noun) is defined as: “The act of interfering in or busybodying with the affairs of others, especially when unwanted.”.

2. How do you use “meddling” in a sentence?

His constant meddling in the project caused significant delays and frustration among the team.

3. What are English synonyms of “meddling”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “meddling”?

Derived from the Middle English 'medlen' (to mix, mingle), which originated from the Old French 'medler' and the Vulgar Latin 'misculare'. The sense evolved from the neutral act of mixing things together to the pejorative sense of interfering in the affairs of others, implying an unwanted 'mixing' into someone else's business.