Definition

To come between or to get involved in a situation to help or change what is happening.

Example

The teacher decided to intervene when the students started arguing.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the situation at school yesterday?

Yeah, it got pretty tense before they had to intervene.

I know, right? I wish they would have stepped in sooner.

Definitely, it could have avoided a lot of drama.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Intervene → It is formed from "inter-" (meaning between) and "venire" (meaning to come). The word describes the act of coming between to alter or stop a situation.

Memory Tip

Think of someone 'coming between' ('inter-') to change or help a situation — that's what intervene means.

Visually Confused Words