meddle

[med-l]

meddle Definition

• 1. to become involved in something that is not your concern or business
• 2. to interfere in someone else's affairs or business

Using meddle: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "meddle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I wish my mother-in-law would stop meddling in our marriage.

• Example

  He meddled in the company's financial affairs and caused a lot of problems.

• Example

  Don't meddle with things you don't understand.

meddle Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for meddle

• interfere
• intrude
• intervene

Antonyms for meddle

• mind one's own business
• stay out of

Phrases with meddle

• meddle with

  to try to change or have an influence on something that should be left alone

  Example

  I wouldn't meddle with that machine if I were you. It's very delicate.

• meddle in

  to interfere in someone else's affairs or business

  Example

  It's not a good idea to meddle in other people's relationships.

• not to meddle a man's meat

  to not interfere with someone's food or drink

  Example

  I know you want to help, but please don't touch the grill. Remember, not to meddle a man's meat.

Origins of meddle

from Old English 'meddlian', meaning 'to mix, mingle'

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Summary: meddle in Brief

The verb 'meddle' [med-l] means to interfere in someone else's affairs or business. It can also refer to becoming involved in something that is not your concern or business. Examples include 'I wish my mother-in-law would stop meddling in our marriage.' and 'Don't meddle with things you don't understand.' The phrase 'meddle with' means to try to change or have an influence on something that should be left alone.