What does "intervene" mean?

1. (to get involved) to step into a situation or argument to help solve a problem or stop something bad from happening. 2. (time or events passing) to happen between two events or points in time. 3. (to interrupt) to say something while other people are talking. 4. (legal involvement) to join a legal case to protect your own rights, even if you were not part of it at the start.

How do you use "intervene"?

Often used with the preposition 'in'. Usually intransitive; the subject is typically the time or event that occurs between two points. Typically used in civil litigation contexts.

intervene

US //ˌɪntɝˈvin// UK //ˌɪntəvˈiːn// in·ter·vene

1 to get involved (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

to step into a situation or argument to help solve a problem or stop something bad from happening.

to intentionally become involved in a difficult situation in order to improve it or prevent it from worsening.

Example

The teacher had to intervene when the two students started shouting at each other.

Example

The central bank decided to intervene in the currency markets to prevent a further collapse of the exchange rate.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'in'.
- intercede
- step in
- mediate
- ignore
- avoid
2 time or events passing (v.)
C1 Advanced Academic Literary

to happen between two events or points in time.

to occur or exist between two events, periods, or points in time.

Example

Many years intervened between their first meeting and their eventual marriage.

Example

In the decades that intervened between the two wars, the social fabric of the country underwent a radical transformation.

Usage

Usually intransitive; the subject is typically the time or event that occurs between two points.
- elapse
- pass

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3 to interrupt (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

to say something while other people are talking.

to interrupt a conversation or discussion, often to clarify a point or offer a different perspective.

Example

I'm sorry to intervene, but I think you have the wrong facts.

Example

The chairman intervened to remind the speakers that they were straying from the main agenda of the meeting.
- interrupt
- interject
4 legal involvement (v.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Law

to join a legal case to protect your own rights, even if you were not part of it at the start.

to enter into a lawsuit as a third party for the protection of one's own interests.

Example

The insurance company sought to intervene in the case to protect its financial interests.

Example

The court allowed the environmental group to intervene in the proceedings, recognizing their legitimate interest in the outcome of the land dispute.

Usage

Typically used in civil litigation contexts.

Origin

Back-formation from intervention, and/or from Latin interveniō (“come between”, verb).