intercede
in-ter-SEED
/ˌɪntərˈsiːd/
To intervene on behalf of another person.
Interceding usually involves a person of higher authority being asked to help someone in trouble.
The story behind the word. The Latin 'intercedere' literally means 'to go between'. In Roman law, it referred to a tribune's right to veto the actions of other magistrates to protect a citizen.
Word relationships
- advocate: Advocating is publicly supporting a cause; interceding is a direct intervention in a specific situation.
- abandon: To abandon is to leave someone to their fate without help.
Commonly confused with
- interfere: Interfere has a negative connotation of unwanted meddling; intercede is usually seen as helpful.
Word family
- intercession (noun): The action of intervening on behalf of another.
Collocations
- intercede with
- intercede on behalf of
- power to intercede
Example sentences
- "She asked the governor to intercede on her behalf to stay the execution." Legal appeal
- "When the teacher saw the student being bullied, he decided to intercede before things escalated." Social dynamics
Memory hook
Intercede: You 'cede' (go) 'inter' (between) the victim and the attacker. Intercede = Step in for a friend.
When not to use
Do not use for general mediation; it specifically implies speaking up for someone else.
Fun facts
- In many religions, 'intercessory prayer' is a prayer said on behalf of others.
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