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intervention

in-ter-VEN-shun /ˌɪntərˈvɛnʃən/

nounC1GRETOEFLIELTS

formalgeneral

The action or process of intervening; in the context of addiction, a structured meeting where concerned friends and family confront a person with an addiction about their destructive behavior and urge them to seek treatment.

While 'intervention' can mean any act of stepping in, in addiction, it specifically refers to a planned, often professionally guided, confrontation designed to motivate someone into treatment.

The story behind the word. The word 'intervention' comes from the Latin intervenire, meaning 'to come between, interrupt.' It's a combination of inter- 'between' and venire 'to come.' So, an 'intervention' is literally an act of 'coming between' a person and their destructive path, often to guide them towards help. This root perfectly illustrates the act of stepping into a situation to change its course.

Word relationships

mediation: Intervention in a dispute to resolve it; often more neutral than an addiction intervention.
intercession: The action of intervening on behalf of another; often implies pleading or praying.

non-interference: The policy of not interfering in the affairs of others.
abstention: The act of refraining from voting or participating.

Commonly confused with

confrontation: A 'confrontation' is a direct, often hostile, encounter; an 'intervention' is a structured, supportive confrontation with a specific goal of treatment.

Word family

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

Collocations

crisis intervention
family intervention
military intervention
government intervention
early intervention

Example sentences

"After years of struggling, the family staged an intervention, which finally convinced him to enter a rehabilitation program." Discussing family efforts to help a loved one.
"Military intervention in the conflict zone was considered a last resort to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe." In international relations.

Memory hook

An INTERVENTION is when people 'INTER-rupt' and 'COME' together to help. COME BETWEEN

When not to use

Avoid using 'intervention' for casual advice or minor involvement. It implies a significant, often formal, act of stepping in to change a situation.

Fun facts

The modern concept of an 'addiction intervention' gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly through the work of the Johnson Institute.
While often effective, interventions require careful planning and professional guidance to be successful and avoid causing further harm.