# intervention

/ˌɪntɝˈvɛnʃən/ (US) · /ˌɪntəvˈɛnʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intervention
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. getting involved to help

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. medical treatment

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- 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.

### 3. addiction meeting

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. legal motion

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The patient required immediate medical intervention.
- The central bank's intervention helped stabilize the currency after several days of rapid decline.
- Early childhood intervention programs are designed to support children with developmental delays, providing them with specialized resources before they enter the formal school system.

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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.