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intervene

verb

/ˌɪn tərˈvin/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of intervene

To come between or involve oneself in a situation or conflict in order to influence its outcome or provide assistance.
"The therapist decided to intervene in the couple's escalating argument."

Detailed meaning of intervene

When someone intervenes, they actively participate in an existing event, typically with the intention of resolving a problem, preventing harm, or mediating a dispute. This action can take various forms, such as offering advice, providing resources, taking direct action, or mediating between conflicting parties. The act of intervention often entails a proactive and deliberate effort to bring about a desired change or outcome, and it can occur in personal, social, political, or even international contexts. Overall, to intervene is to engage with a situation or conflict in a purposeful manner, aiming to alter its course or bring about a more favorable resolution.

Example sentences containing intervene

1. We hope the government will intervene to help the homeless population.
2. Teachers must intervene when they see instances of bullying.
3. I wanted to intervene, but I knew it wasn't my place.
4. She was about to respond, but he chose to intervene instead.
5. If he continues to fail his classes, his parents might have to intervene.
6. We must intervene before the situation gets out of control.

History and etymology of intervene

The verb 'intervene' has its roots in the Latin word 'intervenire,' which is a combination of 'inter,' meaning 'between,' and 'venire,' meaning 'to come.' In its original Latin form, it denoted the act of coming between or arriving between two points or in the midst of something. Over time, this concept evolved to signify involvement or interference in a situation or conflict with the intention of influencing its outcome or providing assistance. Thus, the etymology of 'intervene' highlights its inherent meaning of coming between and taking action in a specific context to bring about a desired change or resolution.

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Further usage examples of intervene

1. I promise not to intervene in your personal matters unless it's absolutely necessary.
2. The UN is considering whether to intervene in the conflict.
3. The vet needed to intervene immediately to save the dog's life.
4. It's not always easy to know when to intervene in a situation.
5. The referee had to intervene when the players started arguing.
6. Police have been asked to intervene in the escalating neighborhood dispute.
7. He might not like it, but we need to intervene for his own good.
8. Non-profit organizations often intervene in crises where governmental action is insufficient.
9. Will the teacher intervene if the kids start to fight on the playground?
10. Sometimes, it's better to let nature take its course and not intervene.
11. I was grateful when my sister decided to intervene and help with the wedding planning.
12. If we don't intervene now, the damage to the environment could be irreversible.
13. Please intervene before this discussion turns into a full-blown argument.
14. She decided to intervene when she saw the argument escalating.
15. The teacher had to intervene to stop the playground fight.
16. Diplomats from multiple nations tried to intervene peacefully.
17. The referee had to intervene to break up the scuffle.
18. The therapist will intervene to help resolve their issues.
19. The mediator sought to intervene and find a compromise.
20. It's essential to intervene early in this crisis.
21. The police officer had to intervene to maintain order.
22. The counselor offered to intervene in their family dispute.
23. I didn't want to intervene, but I had no choice.
24. The humanitarian organization plans to intervene in the disaster-stricken area.