B2verbformalsocietypolitics
US/ˌɪn.tərˈviːn/
UK/ˌɪn.təˈviːn/
to step into a situation on purpose to change what is happening or stop it
In context
The teacher had to intervene when the argument got heated.
The government intervened to stop the bank from collapsing.
The police did not intervene in the dispute between neighbors.
Words that go with intervene
verb + preposition
- intervene inThe army refused to intervene in the conflict.
- intervene betweenA mediator intervened between the two sides.
verb + adverb
- intervene directlyThe president chose not to intervene directly.
- intervene militarilySeveral nations threatened to intervene militarily.
- intervene personallyThe manager had to intervene personally to solve it.
- intervene earlyDoctors try to intervene early to prevent complications.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The police intervened the fight.Correct: The police intervened in the fight.