intervene — to become involved in a situation in order to improve or help it
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to become involved in a situation in order to improve or help it
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌɪntərˈviːn/
Example Sentences
- My mom always intervenes when my sister and I argue about who ate the last piece of pizza.
- The referee had to intervene when the soccer players started pulling each other's jerseys.
- I wanted to intervene when I saw my friend's terrible haircut, but I decided to stay quiet.
intervene
VERB[/ˌɪntərˈviːn/]
to become involved in a situation in order to improve or help it

Police intervened before the argument turned into violence.

Doctors had to intervene immediately to save the patient’s life. (INTERACT + PREVENT = INTERVENE → to intervene is to interact with a situation in order to prevent harm or change the outcome)

He intervened between the two rivals before conflict became part of their daily routine.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'intervenire', combining 'inter' (between) and 'venire' (to come). The word entered English through Old French and has been used since the 14th century to describe coming between or stepping in.
Breakdown
inter- (between) + ven (come) + -e (infinitive ending) = intervene
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom always intervenes when my sister and I argue about who ate the last piece of pizza.”
“The referee had to intervene when the soccer players started pulling each other's jerseys.”
“I wanted to intervene when I saw my friend's terrible haircut, but I decided to stay quiet.”
“The police intervened to prevent the protest from becoming violent.”
“My mom always intervenes when my dad tries to cook, claiming he'll burn down the kitchen.”
“The referee had to intervene when the soccer match turned into a dance battle.”
“The UN decided to intervene in the conflict to maintain peace.”
“I had to intervene when my cat started teaching my dog bad manners.”
“My mom always intervenes when my dad tries to cook - she's afraid he'll burn down the kitchen!”
“The government decided to intervene in the economic crisis.”
“I had to intervene when my cat and dog started fighting over the same toy.”
“The UN may intervene if the conflict continues to escalate.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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