intervene

/ˌɪntəˈviːn/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: intervenes · intervening · intervened

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To become involved in a situation, so as to alter or prevent an action.

Verb

Examples

The police had to be called to intervene in the fight.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To occur, fall, or come between, points of time, or events.

Verb

Examples

An instant intervened between the flash and the report.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “intervene” mean?

To become involved in a situation, so as to alter or prevent an action.

Is “intervene” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.