WordGarden.iomeddle
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈɛdəl/
US
- /ˈmɛdəl/
Meanings
Verb
to interfere in other people's affairs without being asked
to touch, change, or tamper with something when you should leave it alone
Beyond the definition
To meddle means to interfere in something that is not your business, often with the intention of helping but usually making things worse. You might see someone meddle in other people's relationships or try to meddle in political affairs. It is generally seen as impolite and unwelcome. Old Mrs. Higgins always meant well, but she had a habit of getting involved in everyone else's lives, offering advice nobody asked for and trying to arrange things her own way.
To meddle is to interfere in something that does not concern you, often by trying to influence or change it. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting unwanted involvement and a lack of respect for boundaries. Unlike helping, which is invited, meddling is usually done without permission and can seem nosy or intrusive.
Imagine a family argument that does not involve you. If you step in, give unwanted advice, and try to control the outcome, that is meddling. Or picture a well-meaning aunt constantly offering advice on how to raise your children and trying to overrule your decisions. That is meddling.
The word often implies that the interference is clumsy or ineffective, potentially making things worse rather than better. The sentence, "He warned his brother not to meddle in his financial affairs," suggests he anticipates unwanted and unhelpful intervention. It can also be used more broadly to describe attempts to manipulate a situation for personal gain. For instance, some politicians are accused of meddling in elections.
Historically, "meddle" comes from Middle English meaning "to mix" or "mix up." This origin hints at the idea of stirring things up unnecessarily—creating confusion where there was none before.
So, if you find yourself wanting to offer advice or get involved in something that isn't directly your concern, remember: sometimes it's best not to meddle and let things unfold on their own.
Examples
- 1
Personal boundaries
Please don't meddle; I can handle this myself.
- 2
Relationships
Her parents kept meddling in her relationship.
- Patternmeddle in + situation
get involved in something that belongs to someone else
- 3
Personal affairs
I wish he would stop meddling in my business.
- 4
Device settings
Someone has been meddling with the settings on my phone.
- Patternmeddle with + thing
touch or change it when you should leave it alone
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Election interference
The report accused foreign groups of meddling in the election.
- 6
Unwanted help
She meant to help, but her meddling only made the argument worse.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- meddleverb
Forms
- meddling-ing formverb
- meddledpast tenseverb
- meddlesverb