Intercessor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intercessor

[ˌɪntəˈsɛsər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

religious

A person who intervenes on behalf of another, especially in prayer.

Synonyms

advocate, go-between, mediator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
intercessor	Used when referring to someone who pleads on behalf of another person, often in spiritual or religious contexts. The priest acted as an intercessor for the congregation's prayers The saint is known to be an intercessor for those in need
mediator	Often used in conflict resolution scenarios, both formal and informal, where a neutral third party helps disputing parties reach an agreement. The mediator helped the couple settle their divorce amicably During the negotiations, an experienced mediator was brought in to facilitate dialogue
advocate	Commonly used in legal contexts or when someone actively supports or argues for a cause or person. She is a fierce advocate for children's rights The lawyer was appointed as an advocate for the defendant
go-between	Typically used in informal or casual situations to describe someone who conveys messages between two parties, often to avoid direct confrontation. He acted as a go-between for his friends who were not speaking to each other The secretary served as a go-between for the CEO and the employees

Examples of usage

The priest acted as an intercessor for the congregation during the service.
She saw herself as an intercessor between the people and the divine.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

legal

A person who acts as a mediator or arbitrator in a dispute.

Synonyms

arbiter, conciliator, negotiator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
intercessor	Used in situations where someone intervenes on behalf of another person, often in a religious or spiritual context. The priest acted as an intercessor, praying for the community’s well-being They sought an intercessor to mediate their requests to the higher authorities
arbiter	Commonly used in legal or formal disputes where an official and neutral party is needed to make a final decision. The judge served as the arbiter in the contractual dispute In sports, the referee is often seen as the ultimate arbiter of the game
negotiator	Used in contexts where discussions are held to reach an agreement or compromise, often in business or diplomatic scenarios. She proved to be a skilled negotiator during the trade talks The union appointed a negotiator to discuss workers' rights with the management
conciliator	Applies in settings where there’s a need to restore friendly relations or mediate to bring about a peaceful resolution. The conciliator worked tirelessly to resolve the conflict between the two countries In the workplace, he acted as a conciliator to ease tensions between the employees

Examples of usage

The lawyer served as an intercessor in the negotiation between the two parties.
The judge appointed an intercessor to help resolve the conflict.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Religious Significance

In many religions, an intercessor plays a crucial role in prayers, appealing to a higher power on behalf of others.
Christian theology often highlights the role of Christ as an intercessor between humanity and God.
In some Indigenous cultures, elders are seen as intercessors, praying for the community’s wellbeing.

Pop Culture

Characters in films and books often take on the role of intercessors, advocating for others when conflict arises.
Songs and poems sometimes refer to intercessors as those who bring peace or reconciliation in troubled times.
The concept appears in various genres of storytelling, symbolizing hope and support.

Psychology

Having someone as an intercessor can alleviate stress, as support often leads to better mental health outcomes.
The presence of a mediator in conflicts typically helps de-escalate tensions and encourages resolution.
Intercessors can offer a new perspective, allowing parties in disagreement to communicate more effectively.

Literature

Intercessors are frequently portrayed in literary works as figures who guide protagonists to achieve their goals.
In classic literature, heroes may find allies who serve as intercessors, helping them navigate challenging journeys.
Many narratives explore the dynamic between intercessors and those they support, highlighting themes of loyalty and sacrifice.

Origin of 'intercessor'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'intercessor', meaning 'one who goes between'.
It combines 'inter-' meaning 'between' and 'cedere' meaning 'to go'.
The term has been used since the 14th century to refer to someone who mediates.

The word 'intercessor' has its origins in Latin, derived from the verb 'intercedere', which means 'to go between'. It has been used in religious contexts for centuries, referring to someone who intercedes on behalf of others in prayer. Over time, the term has also been adopted in legal settings to describe someone who mediates or arbitrates in disputes.