meddler en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ˈmɛdlɚ/ (US)
- /ˈmɛdl̩ɚ/ (US)
- (US) audio
- /ˈmɛdlə(ɹ)/ (UK)
Etymology
From Middle English medlere, medelere, equivalent to meddle + -er.
Meanings
-
One who meddles or interferes in something not of their concern.
The prudent man is not willing to ſubject himſelf to any responſibility which his duty does not impoſe upon him. He is not a buſtler in buſineſs where he has no concern; is not a meddler in other people’s affairs; is not a profeſſed counſellor or adviſer, who obtrudes his advice where nobody is aſking it.
1790, Adam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments; […] In Two Volumes, 6th edition, volume II, London: […] A[ndrew] Strahan; and T[homas] Cadell […]; Edinburgh: W[illiam] Creech, and J. Bell & Co., →OCLC, part VI, section I (Of the Character of the Individual, so far as It Affects His Own Happiness; or of Prudence), page 59:“Stop!” The hoarse, oddly alien voice of the Swami held a tone beyond all mere earthly fright “I told you there was another form of proof which I could give if necessary, and I warned you not to provoke me to it. This red-faced old meddler is right; I’m not really an East Indian. This face is a mask, and what it covers is not human.”
1934, H. P. Lovecraft, Through the Gates of the Silver Key, chapter 8:“Yes, Mr. Coleman, I have,” answered Luke steadily. “I thought it my duty to inform this man of your character. I have advised him to put his money into a savings-bank.” “Curse you for an impertinent meddler!” said Coleman wrathfully. “I’ll get even with you for this!” “You can do as you please,” said Luke calmly.
1868, Horatio Alger, Struggling Upward:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| meddlers | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Relateds
interloper · gatecrasher · intruder · peeping tom · encroacher · backseat driver · ultracrepidarianism · buttinsky · persona non grata
Synonyms
marplot · nosey parker · busybody · kibitzer
Translations (20)
la ardelio (one who meddles or interferes) · es entrometido (one who meddles or interferes) · es intrusete (one who meddles or interferes) · es metiche (one who meddles or interferes) · ca fresseta (one who meddles or interferes) · es entremetido (one who meddles or interferes) · ca manifassera (one who meddles or interferes) · fr fouineuse (one who meddles or interferes) · gl cheiracús (one who meddles or interferes) · fr fouineur (one who meddles or interferes) · mi whawhewhawhe (one who meddles or interferes) · fi nuuskija (one who meddles or interferes) · nl bemoeial (one who meddles or interferes) · ca manifasser (one who meddles or interferes) · it ficcanaso (one who meddles or interferes) · hu kotnyeles (one who meddles or interferes) · it impiccione (one who meddles or interferes) · el ανακατωσούρης (one who meddles or interferes) · hu minden lében kanál (one who meddles or interferes) · mi kohe (one who meddles or interferes)