interfere

/ˌin-tər-ˈfir/

Middle English enterferen, from Anglo-French (s')entreferir to strike one another, from entre- inter- + ferir to strike, from Latin ferire

verb

  1. to enter into or take a part in the concerns of others

  2. to interpose in a way that hinders or impedes : come into collision or be in opposition

  3. to strike one foot against the opposite foot or ankle in walking or running —used especially of horses

interpose interfere intervene mediate intercede mean to come or go between. interpose often implies no more than this. interfere implies hindering.

phrasal verb

  1. to stop or slow (something) : to make (something) slower or more difficult

  2. to touch (a child) in a sexual and improper way

The drug might interfere with a child's physical development.