In each of the following questions, choose the word that is most similar in meaning to the word given in capitals. Here, the word is MEDDLE, which describes interfering in something that is not your concern.

Introduction / Context:
Synonym questions evaluate your vocabulary and your ability to understand shades of meaning in English words. The word given in capitals, MEDDLE, is commonly used when someone unnecessarily involves himself or herself in another person's affairs. Your task is to select the option that is closest in meaning to this idea, staying as true as possible to the sense of unwanted involvement.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Target word: MEDDLE. - Options: Disregard, Overlook, Interfere, Free. - Exactly one option should represent the closest synonym in everyday usage.

Concept / Approach:
Meddle generally means to interfere in something that does not concern you, often causing annoyance or problems. It implies unwanted interference rather than helpful involvement. To identify the correct synonym, review what each option means. Disregard and overlook indicate ignoring something, which is almost the opposite of meddling. Free does not match the concept at all. Interfere, however, directly expresses the idea of getting involved where one is not needed or wanted. Matching the core idea of the word allows you to avoid confusion created by superficially similar looking options.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of meddle as to involve yourself in something that is not your business or to tamper with something. Step 2: Consider option A, Disregard, which means to pay no attention to or to ignore. This is the opposite of interfering, so it cannot be a synonym. Step 3: Consider option B, Overlook, which again means to fail to notice or ignore something. This is also contrary to the sense of interfering. Step 4: Consider option C, Interfere, which means to get involved in a situation where you are not wanted, often causing problems. This matches the meaning of meddle very closely. Step 5: Consider option D, Free, which means to release or set at liberty and has no connection with meddling.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify your choice by using the options in example sentences. For instance, Do not meddle in their argument can be rephrased as Do not interfere in their argument, and the sense remains intact. However, substituting disregard or overlook would completely change the meaning to Do not ignore their argument, which is quite different. Thus, the only option that preserves the original sense is interfere, confirming it as the correct synonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Disregard is wrong because it involves lack of attention rather than unwanted involvement. Overlook is wrong because it means to miss noticing something, again implying inattention, not interference. Free is wrong as it refers to liberty or release, unrelated to the act of meddling.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse meddle with words that describe emotional concern and think it may mean care or attention. However, meddle has a negative tone and almost always implies that the involvement is not welcome. To avoid mistakes, learn common collocations like meddle in other people's affairs and do not meddle with the controls. These patterns reinforce that interference is the central idea of the word and help you connect it correctly with interfere in synonym questions.

Final Answer:
The word most similar in meaning to MEDDLE is Interfere.