Definition

1. Verb:
   • To involve oneself in a matter without right or invitation; to interfere in something that is not one's concern.
   • To handle or touch something, especially something that one should not, in a busybody or officious way.

Usage

The verb "meddle" is used to describe unwanted or intrusive interference. It carries a negative connotation, implying that the action is annoying, inappropriate, or disrespectful of boundaries. - It is often followed by the preposition "in" when referring to interfering in affairs, business, or decisions. - It can be followed by the preposition "with" when referring to handling or tampering with physical objects or systems.

Examples

• With "in":
  • He has a tendency to meddle in his neighbors' personal lives.
  • The government should not meddle in the free market.
• With "with":
  • Someone had meddled with the lock on the door.
  • Don't meddle with the thermostat; I just set it.

Advanced Usage

• "meddle in/with": The core phrasal constructions defining the scope of interference.
  • She accused him of meddling in her career choices.
  • It's dangerous to meddle with forces you don't understand.

Variants and Related Words

• Meddler (noun): A person who meddles.
  • He is known as a notorious meddler in office politics.
• Meddlesome (adjective): Inclined to meddle; interfering.
  • Her meddlesome aunt is always giving unsolicited advice.

Synonyms

• Interfere: To intervene or become involved in a situation without invitation. (Often used interchangeably, though "interfere" can be more neutral in some technical contexts.)
• Trespass: To encroach on someone's territory, rights, or privacy. (More formal/literal.)
• Tamper: To interfere with something in order to cause damage or make unauthorized alterations. (Often used with objects or evidence.)
• Pry: To inquire impertinently into someone's private affairs.

Phrasal Verbs

• Meddle in: To interfere in a situation, affair, or domain.
  • You have no right to meddle in our family matters.
• Meddle with: To handle, adjust, or tamper with something, often causing problems.
  • The technician warned us not to meddle with the control panel.

Related Idioms

• To have a meddling finger in every pie: To be involved in many different activities or schemes, especially in an interfering way.
  • The manager has a meddling finger in every pie, which slows down all the departments.

Verb

1. intrude in other people's affairs or business; interfere unwantedly
   • Don't meddle in my affairs!