intervene

Get between parties

To intervene is to come between—stepping into a situation to alter its course.

Someone might intervene in a dispute to restore peace, or a government might intervene in markets to stabilize prices.

Medical intervention means treatment that changes what would otherwise happen naturally.

She intervened before the argument turned physical.

The word implies purposeful action to change an outcome, usually by an outside party.

timing

intercept

Seize en route

step inInvolve oneself to help
cut inInterrupt or intrude suddenly
break inUnlawful entry

jump in · come between · get involved · take action · act now · timely · critical moment · turning point · pivotal · decisive

mediate

arbitrate

Settle as impartial judge

conciliateCalm hostile feelings
negotiateDiscuss to reach agreement
reconcileResolve a disagreement

settle · resolve · diplomacy · facilitate · moderate · broker · adjudicate · compromise · mediator · conciliation

obstruct

meddle

Interfere without invitation

intrudeEnter uninvited
obstructBlock or hinder passage
hinderObstruct or delay

impede · thwart · disrupt · block · sabotage · undermine · encroach · trespass · overstep · infringe

conflict

ceasefire

Agreed halt to fighting

peacekeepingPreventing or ending conflict
stabilizationProcess of becoming steady
sanctionsPunitive international restrictions

buffer zone · disarmament · blue helmets · humanitarian aid · peace talks · demilitarized zone · deployment · troops · occupation · coalition

aid

assistance

Support or aid given

supportTo uphold or sustain
helpAssistance given
reliefEasing of distress

rescue · alleviate · humanitarian · charity · volunteer · emergency response · first responder · social services · outreach · welfare

medical

treatment

Care for an ailment

surgeryInvasive medical procedure
procedurePrescribed sequence of actions
therapyCurative mental treatment

operation · emergency · triage · life-saving · resuscitation · CPR · defibrillator · intubation · transfusion · amputation

Categories

"Inter-" wordsinterstate, international, internet, interview, interact
intervenestep in, mediate, arbitrate, get involved, jump in
risksrisk, gamble, bet, wager, chance it
action verbsrun, jump, chase, grab, climb
emergency responsefirst responders, emergency services, fire alarm, 911, call 911
Business Verbsdeal, trade, negotiate, bargain, transact

Opposites

action vs inaction

interveneignore

Refuse to notice

stand by · do nothing · leave alone · turn a blind eye · look the other way

interference vs non-interference

intervenestay out

Remain outside or absent

leave be · let be · keep out · mind one's own business · avoid

disruption vs continuation

interveneallow

Grant permission for

permit · let nature take its course · stand aside · clear the way · facilitate

Phrases

divine interventionGodly action in affairs
family interventionGroup effort to help someone
diplomatic interventionFormal governmental conflict resolution
military interventionUse of troops abroad
medical interventionClinical action treating illness
foreign interventionExternal power's domestic involvement

Family

intervention, intervening, intervened, intervenes, interventionist, nonintervention, intervenor, interventionists, interventionism

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G