Interferer

An 'interferer' is a person or thing that becomes involved in a situation or activity without being asked or wanted, often in a way that hinders or obstructs. This unwelcome involvement can disrupt existing processes, relationships, or plans. The interferer might act intentionally, driven by malicious intent or a desire for control, or unintentionally, through ignorance or a lack of consideration for the consequences of their actions. The core characteristic of an interferer is their unwelcome and often detrimental presence. They create complications, introduce obstacles, and generally make things harder for those involved, often leading to negative outcomes. Their interference can range from minor inconveniences to serious disruptions. The key is that they are intruding, meddling, or getting involved where they are not wanted or welcome.

Interferer meaning with examples

• The new manager, a known interferer in team projects, consistently revised designs without consulting the original architects. His tendency to micro-manage and offer unsolicited advice frustrated the team and slowed project timelines. This constant intervention prevented the group from effectively solving problems independently. Team morale declined due to his intrusive actions and the feeling they were not trusted.
• During the family gathering, my aunt, an inveterate interferer, kept offering unsolicited relationship advice to my sister. She ignored her and kept offering what they considered hurtful criticism, resulting in uncomfortable tension among the guests. This persistent intrusion into personal affairs made the event unpleasant, as her constant unsolicited opinions disrupted the festive atmosphere and caused arguments.
• The malfunctioning robot, a random interferer, repeatedly tripped up the factory's assembly line by suddenly stopping the production process. This erratic behavior disrupted the flow of goods and significantly lowered the factory's output, leading to wasted resources and production delays. Its interference was unintentional, yet caused considerable damage, demanding attention to resolve the malfunction.
• The software's anti-virus program, a digital interferer, frequently blocked important system updates and caused the application to malfunction due to overzealous protection. These security measures, implemented to enhance security, were perceived as an annoyance. Its excessive intervention prevented smooth operation and created problems in the form of slowdowns, further compounding its detrimental impact.