Intercession: meaning, definitions and examples

Intercession is used in religious or spiritual contexts when someone prays or pleads on behalf of another person.

• The priest engaged in intercession for the sick members of the community.
• Her intercession brought peace to the conflicted family.

Intervention is used when someone steps in to alter or prevent an outcome, often in crisis situations or disputes.

• The government's intervention helped to stabilize the economy.
• After the intervention, the conflict between the two groups de-escalated.

Mediation is best used when a neutral third party is helping to resolve a conflict or dispute between two other parties.

• The couple sought mediation to resolve their divorce amicably.
• Mediation helped the employees and management reach an agreement.

Advocacy is appropriate in social or legal contexts where someone is actively supporting or promoting a cause or interest.

• The organization is known for its advocacy of human rights.
• She is involved in advocacy for environmental protection.

This is often used in contexts where someone makes a plea or request on behalf of another person, usually in a spiritual or religious setting.

• She prayed for the intercession of the saints to help her through difficult times

This word is used when someone steps into a situation to change the course of events, often used in medical, political, or social contexts. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if seen as intrusive.

• The UN decided that military intervention was necessary to prevent further genocide

This term is used in legal or formal disputes, often where an independent third party makes a binding decision to resolve a disagreement.

• The contract specified that any disputes would be resolved through arbitration rather than in court

This is used in situations where the goal is to bring about a peaceful resolution or agreement between conflicting parties, often in personal, organizational, or international settings.

• The government set up a commission to work on conciliation between the warring factions

Used when someone intervenes on behalf of another, often in a religious or formal context.

• The priest offered an intercession for the family during the service.
• She sought her friend's intercession to speak with the authorities.

Refers to taking action to change a situation, often used in medical, social, or political scenarios.

• The intervention of the United Nations helped to bring peace to the region.
• Her health improved significantly after the timely medical intervention.

Used to describe a serious and emotional request, often seen as begging or pleading.

• His entreaty for mercy was moving.
• Despite her entreaties, he remained unmoved.

Suitable for situations where a formal request is made to a higher authority, often for a decision to be reconsidered.

• They filed an appeal against the court's decision.
• Her heartfelt appeal for donations was met with overwhelming support.