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intervention

n.
US //ˌɪntɝˈvɛnʃən// UK //ˌɪntəvˈɛnʃən// in·ter·ven·tion
  1. 1 getting involved to help (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of getting involved in a situation to change the result or help solve a problem.

    the act of intervening in a situation to alter its course or resolve a conflict. Often used in political, social, or diplomatic contexts.

    Example

    The government's intervention in the economy helped prevent the banks from closing.

    Example

    Diplomatic intervention proved necessary when the two neighbouring states failed to reach a peaceful agreement regarding their shared water resources.
  2. 2 medical treatment (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    a medical treatment, surgery, or action taken to improve a patient's health.

    a specific medical procedure, surgery, or therapeutic action intended to improve a health condition or treat a disease.

    Example

    The patient required immediate surgical intervention after the accident.

    Example

    Early medical intervention is critical in managing chronic respiratory conditions before they lead to permanent lung damage.
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  1. 3 addiction meeting (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a meeting where friends and family try to help someone with an addiction or mental health problem.

    an orchestrated meeting where family and friends confront an individual about their addiction or self-destructive behaviour to encourage professional treatment.

    Example

    His family staged an intervention to talk to him about his drinking habits.

    Example

    The intervention was carefully planned with a professional counsellor to ensure the conversation remained supportive rather than accusatory.
  2. 4 legal motion (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Technical Law

    a legal process where a person who is not part of a court case asks to join it.

    a legal procedure allowing a third party to enter an ongoing lawsuit because the outcome may affect their rights or interests.

    Example

    The environmental group filed for intervention in the case against the new factory.

    Example

    The court granted the corporation's motion for intervention, acknowledging that the ruling on the patent would directly impact their current manufacturing operations.
Origin

From Middle French intervention, from Latin interventiō. Morphologically intervene + -tion.

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