intervene
in-ter-VEEN
/ˌɪntərˈviːn/
To come between so as to prevent or alter a result or course of events.
Intervention is often more forceful or direct than mediation; it implies stepping in to stop something.
The story behind the word. Literally 'to come between' from the Latin roots. It suggests a physical or metaphorical movement into the middle of an ongoing event.
Word relationships
- interfere: Interfere is usually negative (unwanted meddling), while intervene is often seen as necessary or helpful.
- ignore: Ignoring a situation is the opposite of intervening in it.
Commonly confused with
- intercede: Intercede is speaking for someone; intervene is taking action to change a situation.
Word family
- intervention (noun): The action or process of intervening.
Collocations
- intervene in a dispute
- divine intervention
- decide to intervene
Example sentences
- "The police had to intervene to stop the fight before anyone was seriously injured." Law enforcement
- "The government decided to intervene in the economy to prevent a total market collapse." Economics
Memory hook
Intervene: You 'inter' (between) 'vene' (come). You come between the two sides. Intervene = Step in.
When not to use
Do not use when you are just joining a conversation; it implies a significant change in the situation.
Fun facts
- In medicine, an 'intervention' is a treatment or procedure intended to improve a patient's health.
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