Intervene Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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intervene
[ˌɪn.t̬ərˈviːn ]
Definitions
in a conflict
To intervene means to become involved in a situation in order to try to stop a fight, argument, or other problem from happening or continuing.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| intervene |
Appropriate when describing actively getting involved in a situation to prevent harm or improve the outcome, usually in a formal or serious context.
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| interfere |
Used when involvement is unwanted or meddling, often having a negative connotation.
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| mediate |
Best used when acting as a neutral third party to help resolve a dispute or reach an agreement.
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| step in |
Informal and can be used in both casual and more serious contexts where one takes action to help in a situation or to stop something from happening.
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Examples of usage
- He intervened in the dispute between the two countries.
- The teacher intervened to prevent the students from fighting.
in a process
To intervene also means to happen between other events or at a particular time during a process or series of events.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| intervene |
Repeated word. |
| occur |
Used for events that take place, often in a more formal or technical context, and it can imply something more sudden or specific.
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| happen |
Used for events or situations that occur, typically by chance, without any deliberate action.
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| take place |
Used for planned events or occurrences, often with a focus on the location or time of the event.
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Examples of usage
- The rain intervened and the game had to be postponed.
- She always seems to arrive just as I'm leaving, as if fate is intervening.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Intervention strategies in psychology can improve mental health by providing support.
- The 'bystander effect' shows that individuals are less likely to intervene in emergencies when other people are present.
- Therapeutic interventions are a key part of mental health treatment, aiming to change harmful behaviors.
Sociology
- Interventions in social issues aim to address problems like poverty or education gaps.
- In community work, intervening can involve programs designed to assist vulnerable populations.
- Conflict resolution often requires intervention tactics to bring opposing sides to a solution.
Pop Culture
- Reality TV often showcases interventions, where family and friends confront someone about their behavior.
- In movies, intervention scenes dramatize the moment someone steps in to change the course of events, creating tension and resolution.
- Books and shows sometimes depict fantastical interventions by heroes, striking a balance in chaotic situations.
Education
- Teachers intervene to help students understand lessons when they struggle.
- Educational interventions can include tutoring or modified teaching methods to aid learning.
- In special education, interventions are tailored to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities.
Origin of 'intervene'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'intervenire', which means 'to come between'.
- It was first used in English around the 15th century, reflecting a need for mediation.
- The prefix 'inter-' means 'between' and 'venire' means 'to come'.
The word 'intervene' comes from the Latin word 'intervenire', which means 'to come between'. The term was first used in English in the early 16th century. Over the years, 'intervene' has been commonly used in various contexts, from conflicts to processes, to describe the act of getting involved or occurring between events.
See also: intervention.