# intervene

/ˌɪntɝˈvin/ (US) · /ˌɪntəvˈiːn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intervene
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to get involved

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

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

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

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

### 2. time or events passing

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic · Literary

to happen between two events or points in time.

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

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

### 3. to interrupt

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to say something while other people are talking.

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

- I'm sorry to intervene, but I think you have the wrong facts.
- The chairman intervened to remind the speakers that they were straying from the main agenda of the meeting.

### 4. legal involvement

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

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

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

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

## Examples

- The teacher had to intervene when the students started arguing.
- The central bank decided to intervene in the currency market to prevent the local money from losing too much value.
- While the government is often reluctant to interfere with private contracts, it will intervene if the terms are found to be predatory or if they violate fundamental human rights.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.