intervention
- 01 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.
Simple“The government's intervention in the economy helped prevent the banks from closing.”
In context“Diplomatic intervention proved necessary when the two neighbouring states failed to reach a peaceful agreement regarding their shared water resources.”
SynonymsAntonymsnon interferencewithdrawal - 02 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The patient required immediate surgical intervention after the accident.”
In context“Early medical intervention is critical in managing chronic respiratory conditions before they lead to permanent lung damage.”
- 03 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.
Simple“His family staged an intervention to talk to him about his drinking habits.”
In context“The intervention was carefully planned with a professional counsellor to ensure the conversation remained supportive rather than accusatory.”
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
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.
Simple“The environmental group filed for intervention in the case against the new factory.”
In context“The court granted the corporation's motion for intervention, acknowledging that the ruling on the patent would directly impact their current manufacturing operations.”
Usage appropriate intervention · economic intervention · human intervention
“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.”
From Middle French intervention, from Latin interventiō. Morphologically intervene + -tion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.