interpose

verb in·ter·pose \ˌin-tər-ˈpōz\

: to place (someone or something) between two or more things or people

: to interrupt a conversation with (a comment)

in·ter·posedin·ter·pos·ing

Full Definition of INTERPOSE

transitive verb

a : to place in an intervening position

b : to put (oneself) between : intrude

: to put forth by way of interference or intervention

: to introduce or throw in between the parts of a conversation or argument

intransitive verb

: to be or come between

: to step in between parties at variance : intervene

: interrupt

— in·ter·pos·er noun

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Origin of INTERPOSE

Middle French interposer, from Latin interponere (perfect indicative interposui), from inter- + ponere to put — more at position

First Known Use: 1582

Related to INTERPOSE

Synonyms: intercede, intermediate, intervene, mediate

Synonym Discussion of INTERPOSE

interpose, interfere, intervene, mediate, intercede mean to come or go between. interpose often implies no more than this <interposed herself between him and the door>. interfere implies hindering <noise interfered with my concentration>. intervene may imply an occurring in space or time between two things or a stepping in to stop a conflict <quarreled until the manager intervened>. mediate implies intervening between hostile factions <mediated between the parties>. intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness <interceded on our behalf>.

synonyms see in addition introduce