Intervention: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone steps in to change or influence a situation, often to prevent or solve a problem. Typically formal and can be used in various contexts such as medical, military, or social situations.

• The United Nations is considering an intervention to bring peace to the region
• The doctor decided that an immediate intervention was necessary to save the patient's life

Used when someone gets involved in a way that is unwanted or not helpful. This word usually carries a negative connotation, indicating a disruption or obstruction.

• I can't work with all this interference from my boss
• She dismissed the complaint as unwarranted interference in her private life

Used to describe when someone participates or takes part in an activity or situation. It can be either neutral or positive, depending on the context.

• His involvement in the project was crucial to its success
• Parents' involvement in their children's education is essential

Used in situations where someone intervenes on behalf of another person, often appealing or pleading for mercy or help. It has a more religious or moral connotation.

• The priest offered intercession for the sick members of the congregation
• Her intercession was the only reason he got a second chance

This term is best used in formal or professional contexts where a planned action is taken to improve a situation, often used in politics, medicine, or social issues. It does not generally carry a negative connotation.

• The government announced an economic intervention to stabilize the market.
• Her intervention saved the patient's life.

This word carries a negative connotation and implies unwelcome or unnecessary involvement in someone else's affairs, often resulting in negative consequences.

• His constant interference in their relationship caused a lot of tension.
• The manager’s interference stifled the team's creativity.

Typically used in religious or spiritual contexts. It refers to someone making a plea on behalf of another person. It is formal and often used in religious texts or discussions.

• The priest’s intercession was believed to have healed the sick.
• She prayed for intercession from the saints.

This is a neutral term and can be used in a variety of contexts ranging from personal to professional where someone is taking part in an activity or situation.

• Her involvement in the project was crucial to its success.
• He has no involvement in the criminal activities.

Typically used in formal or professional settings such as healthcare, social work, or politics. It implies a planned effort to improve a situation.

• The doctor suggested an early intervention to treat the disease
• The government’s intervention in the economy helped stabilize the markets

Carries a negative connotation and is used when someone disrupts or obstructs a situation, often unwanted or unwarranted.

• His interference in their argument only made things worse
• The constant interference from her colleagues made it difficult for her to complete the project

Neutral term used to describe the act of participating or being engaged in an activity or situation. It doesn’t imply judgment on the appropriateness of the participation.

• Her involvement in the community project has been invaluable
• They appreciated his active involvement in the team’s discussions

Often used in a religious or spiritual context where one is praying or pleading on behalf of another. It can also be used more generally to imply a form of advocacy.

• The priest offered intercession for the sick member of the community
• Her intercession with the landlord helped prevent the eviction