intervene
What does "intervene" mean?
To intervene means to get involved in a situation—usually a conflict, a dispute, or a difficult process—in order to change the outcome or prevent something from getting worse. Visualize someone stepping into the middle of a heated argument or a physical scuffle to act as a mediator or a barrier. This is a formal verb that implies a sense of authority or necessity. It is commonly used in legal, political, or professional contexts, such as when a government intervenes in an economy or a teacher intervenes in a classroom fight. It suggests an action taken by a third party who is not originally part of the unfolding event.
"intervene" in conversation
Work dispute
I had to intervene when the two designers started shouting at each other.
I had to intervene when the two designers started shouting at each other.
Good call, the atmosphere was becoming really toxic.
Good call, the atmosphere was becoming really toxic.
Used to describe professional mediation.
Medical emergency
We need to intervene surgically before the infection spreads further.
We need to intervene surgically before the infection spreads further.
Understood, I'll prep the operating room right away.
Understood, I'll prep the operating room right away.
Used in technical/medical contexts to signify a critical action.
"intervene" in a sentence
The teacher had to intervene in the argument.
The teacher had to intervene in the argument.
Police were forced to intervene to stop the protesters from clashing.
Police were forced to intervene to stop the protesters from clashing.
The central bank decided to intervene in the currency market to stabilize the exchange rate.
The central bank decided to intervene in the currency market to stabilize the exchange rate.
