Word
intervention
Phoneticsin·ter·ven·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪntɝˈvɛnʃən/
UK/ˌɪntəvˈɛnʃən/
Definitions
01getting involved to help
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of getting involved in a situation to change the result or help solve a problem.
n. the act of intervening in a situation to alter its course or resolve a conflict. Often used in political, social, or diplomatic contexts.
“The government's intervention in the economy helped prevent the banks from closing.”
“Diplomatic intervention proved necessary when the two neighbouring states failed to reach a peaceful agreement regarding their shared water resources.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02medical treatment
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Medicine Technical
n. a medical treatment, surgery, or action taken to improve a patient's health.
n. a specific medical procedure, surgery, or therapeutic action intended to improve a health condition or treat a disease.
Español:intervención
“The patient required immediate surgical intervention after the accident.”
“Early medical intervention is critical in managing chronic respiratory conditions before they lead to permanent lung damage.”
03addiction meeting
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a meeting where friends and family try to help someone with an addiction or mental health problem.
n. an orchestrated meeting where family and friends confront an individual about their addiction or self-destructive behaviour to encourage professional treatment.
“His family staged an intervention to talk to him about his drinking habits.”
“The intervention was carefully planned with a professional counsellor to ensure the conversation remained supportive rather than accusatory.”
Synonyms
04legal motion
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Law Formal · Technical
n. a legal process where a person who is not part of a court case asks to join it.
n. a legal procedure allowing a third party to enter an ongoing lawsuit because the outcome may affect their rights or interests.
“The environmental group filed for intervention in the case against the new factory.”
“The court granted the corporation's motion for intervention, acknowledging that the ruling on the patent would directly impact their current manufacturing operations.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “intervention” in context.
Verb
01. require intervention
“The patient's condition is deteriorating and may require immediate medical intervention.”
verb + noun
Adjective
02. appropriate intervention
“The teacher decided that an appropriate intervention was necessary to resolve the conflict between the students.”
adj + noun
03. economic intervention
“The government's economic intervention helped stabilize the currency during the financial crisis.”
adj + noun
04. human intervention
“The automated system is designed to operate for long periods without any human intervention.”
adj + noun
05. intervention homogeneous
Real-World Examples
“After three months of the epidemic, WHO is therefore counting on a change of scale but above all, of method: less concentration of the response in Bunia and earlier intervention closer to transmission hotspots.” “What won't be changing: Unlike at the World Cup, there will be no VAR interventions on incorrect corners or red cards for players who cover their mouth in a confrontational situation.” “Without the interventions, the government estimates the $52bn-a-year scheme will more than double in cost to $117bn a year in a decade’s time.” “The situation risks of disruptions to health, education and other lifesaving interventions amid persistently high levels of need, the agency said.” Etymology
From Middle French intervention, from Latin interventiō. Morphologically intervene + -tion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/intervention
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0