bemoeienis

Bemoeienis is a Dutch noun that denotes the act of becoming involved in or interfering with someone else's affairs, or the degree of involvement in a matter. It can refer to neutral involvement, such as participation in a project, as well as to meddling or unwelcome interference.

Etymology: The word derives from the verb bemoeien, formed with the prefix be- and moeien, meaning to trouble or interfere. The suffix -nis marks a noun indicating a state, quality, or act.

Usage: In everyday language, bemoeienis describes personal or social involvement, for example when a family member takes an interest in another's choices. In political and public discourse, the term is often used to discuss government intervention in the economy or private life, and debates about the appropriate level of bemoeienis versus non-interference or laissez-faire. In international relations, it can describe a state’s interference in the affairs of another.

Connotation: The term frequently carries a negative tone when it implies unwelcome interference, but it can be neutral or even positive in contexts of constructive involvement.

See also: interference, involvement, meddling, non-interference, intervention.