interfere with

[ɪntərˈfɪr wɪð]
verb phrase
interferir em; prejudicar; atrapalhar
1. to get in the way of something or prevent it from happening
The noise interferes with my ability to concentrate.
O barulho interfere na minha capacidade de concentração.
2. to become involved in someone else's affairs without permission
Stop interfering with my business decisions.
Pare de interferir nas minhas decisões de negócios.
3. to touch or meddle with something
Don't interfere with the equipment.
Não mexe nos equipamentos.
4. to obstruct or hinder progress
Construction work interferes with traffic flow.
O trabalho de construção prejudica o fluxo de trânsito.
In Brazilian Portuguese culture, 'interferir' carries a sense of unwanted intrusion into personal matters, which is particularly sensitive in familial and professional relationships. Americans tend to use this phrase directly when addressing obstruction or meddling, while Brazilians may use softer alternatives like 'atrapalhar' (to mess up) in casual contexts. The phrase reflects different cultural attitudes toward personal boundaries and privacy across both cultures.
NYC Slang
buggin' someone's moves / getting in someone's business
Synonyms / Sinônimos
obstructhinderhampermeddle withtamper withdisruptinterrupt
Antonyms / Antônimos
assisthelpaidfacilitateenable

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
interferir em
most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
atrapalhar
preferred colloquial form meaning to mess up or bother
São Paulo
prejudicar
emphasizes harm or damage caused by interference
Portugal
interferir em; intrometer-se
intrometer-se more commonly used for meddling in affairs

Related Words

interferenceinterferingmeddleobstructiondisruptioninterruption

Related Idioms & Phrases

don't interfere with nature
interfere with someone's plans
interfere with the course of justice
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