What does intermeddling mean?
Intermeddling means interfering in matters that are not one's own concern, usually in a way that is unwanted or excessive. As a verb, it describes a person's action: someone who intermeddles assumes a responsibility or authority that has not been granted to them. As an adjective, it characterizes persistent intrusion, as in 'an intermeddling neighbour' or 'his intermeddling remarks.' The word generally has a negative or disapproving tone because it implies that the person involved is failing to respect other people's privacy, independence, or authority. Although 'meddle' is the more familiar and general term, 'intermeddling' can sound more formal and rhetorically forceful. It is particularly associated with British English but also occurs in formal American writing. The expression is useful when an act of interference deserves emphasis and is understood as more than a minor intrusion.
To interfere or intrude in matters that are not one's concern.
"Several colleagues were reprimanded for intermeddling in the dispute."
Usually disapproving; the sense implies unsolicited or excessive involvement.
Characterized by intrusive or excessive interference in other people's affairs.
"She dismissed his intermeddling warnings with a dismissive wave."
Commonly used before nouns such as 'neighbour', 'comment', or 'advice', and normally negative in tone.
Intermeddling is meddling with an extra helping of intrusion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of intermeddling
Intermeddling was formed in English by combining the prefix 'inter-' with the verb 'meddle', both of which derive ultimately from Latin. 'Meddle' comes from Old English 'meddlan', related to 'middel' and originally referring to mixing or interfering with substances. The prefixed form developed the specific sense of intruding into other people's affairs and is recorded in English from the 19th century.
Related word forms
How intermeddling is actually used
The word generally carries a disapproving connotation: it suggests that the involvement is unwanted, excessive, or meddlesome. It is most common in British English and formal or expository American English, and the adjectival form is often found in the phrase 'intermeddling neighbour'.
Easily confused with intermeddling
To meddle is to interfere in affairs generally, whereas to intermeddle often conveys more persistent, intrusive, or unwarranted involvement.