intervene

in-ter-vene · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To become involved in a difficult situation in order to improve it or prevent it from getting worse.

  2. 2.

    To occur or happen between other events or periods.

  3. 3.

    To interrupt in a legal proceeding as a party who was not originally involved.

Phrases & expressions

  • intervene on behalf of — To act in support of someone
  • military intervention — Armed forces becoming involved in a conflict
  • divine intervention — Supernatural help from God

Related words

Etymology

From Latin intervenire ("to come between"), from inter ("between") + venire ("to come").