Intervene
/ˌɪntərˈviːn/
Definitions
To become involved in a situation to improve or alter it.
/ˌɪntərˈviːn/
To come between or involve oneself in a situation.
The teacher intervened to stop the students from fighting.
💡 Simply: Imagine you see two friends fighting. To intervene means you step in to help them sort it out or stop the fight. You're becoming part of their problem to help make it better!
👶 For kids: When you intervene, it means you jump in to help stop something bad from happening or to make something better.
More Examples
The government has the right to intervene in the economy to prevent a recession.
Medical staff will intervene in an emergency situation to save a life.
How It's Used
"The United Nations decided to intervene in the conflict to restore peace."
"The judge had to intervene when the lawyers began arguing."
"Friends often intervene to mediate disputes."
From Latin *intervenire* (to come between, interrupt), from *inter* (between) + *venire* (to come).
The word has been used since the 16th century, initially referring to interrupting or coming between things.
Memory tip
Think of an 'inter-view' – stepping *in* to see the situation *between* parties.
Word Origin
"to come between"