English

Noun

meddler ‎(plural meddlers)

1. One who meddles or interferes in something not of their concern.
   • 1759, Adam Smith, The theory of moral sentiments

     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.

   • 1868, Horatio Alger, Struggling Upward

     “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.

   • 1934, H. P. Lovecraft, Through the Gates of the Silver Key, chapter 8

     “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.”

Synonyms

• busybody
• kibitzer
• marplot
• nosey parker

See also

• gatecrasher, interloper, peeping tom, persona non grata, encroacher, backseat driver, intruder, buttinsky

Translations