intervene
To step in to prevent or alter an outcome
Examples
In a meeting
“Management had to intervene when the two departments couldn't agree.”
Over coffee
“I had to intervene when my kids started fighting over the remote.”
Why this word
interrupt
Intervene means entering a situation to change its outcome or prevent harm, while interrupt just means breaking into something without purposeful mediation
step in
Intervene is more formal and emphasizes acting to influence or mediate a situation, while step in is casual and less specific about the purpose
interfere
Intervene suggests purposeful action to help or mediate, while interfere often has negative connotations of unwanted meddling
Usage tip
Use when describing active involvement to change or stop a situation
Etymology
Latin intervenire meaning 'to come between' from inter- 'between' + venire 'to come'
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