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intervention

in-ter-VEN-shun /ˌɪntərˈvenʃən/

nounB2IELTSTOEFLSAT

GeneralMedicalPolitical

The action or process of intervening; interference by a state in another's affairs, or an action taken to improve a medical or social situation.

In the context of delinquency, it refers to a planned action (like counseling or a program) intended to stop a youth's downward spiral.

The story behind the word. Literally 'to come between.' From 'inter' (between) and 'venire' (to come). It describes the moment someone steps into a situation to change its course.

Word relationships

mediation: Mediation is specifically about helping two parties reach an agreement; intervention is a broader action to change a situation.

non-interference: Non-interference is the policy of staying out of a situation.

Commonly confused with

interference: Interference is usually unwanted or negative; intervention is usually intended to be helpful or corrective.

Word family

intervene (verb): To come between so as to prevent or alter a result.

Collocations

early intervention
crisis intervention
government intervention

Example sentences

"Early intervention is key to preventing at-risk youth from entering the criminal justice system." Social work.
"The family staged an intervention to confront him about his substance abuse." Family crisis.

Memory hook

Intervention: You 'inter' (enter) the 'vention' (situation) to help. Coming between a person and their problems.

When not to use

Don't use for a casual 'interruption' of a conversation.

Fun facts

In medicine, a 'surgical intervention' is simply another name for an operation.

Related words

diversion, rehabilitate

Explore more words

intervene, interfere, take action, therapeutic, interrupt, regimen