Definition

Noun: A person who involves themselves in other people's affairs without being asked or needed, often in an annoying or intrusive way.

Usage

A "meddler" is someone who interferes, typically by offering unwanted advice, inserting themselves into situations, or trying to control matters that do not concern them. The term carries a negative connotation, implying the interference is bothersome and officious.

Examples

• The office meddler always listens to private conversations and then gives unsolicited opinions.
• She is such a meddler; she tried to rearrange her neighbor's entire garden.
• He was seen as a meddler for constantly trying to settle disputes he wasn't part of.

Advanced Usage

• "Busybody" vs. "Meddler": While often used interchangeably, a "busybody" strongly implies nosiness and gossip, whereas a "meddler" emphasizes the act of intrusive interference.
• "To play the meddler": This phrase describes the act of interfering.
  • He couldn't resist playing the meddler in his children's career choices.

Variants and Related Words

• Meddle (verb): To interfere in something that is not one's concern.
  • Please don't meddle in my personal affairs.
• Meddlesome (adjective): Inclined to meddle; interfering.
  • Her meddlesome aunt always asks prying questions.

Synonyms

• Busybody
• Interferer
• Intruder
• Buttinsky (informal)

Related Idioms

• To have a finger in every pie: To be involved in many different activities, often implying meddling.
  • As the town's biggest meddler, he has a finger in every pie.

Noun

1. an officious annoying person who interferes with others