interposition

[ in-ter-puh-zish-uhn ]

noun

1. the act or fact of interposing or the condition of being interposed.
2. something interposed.
3. the doctrine that an individual state of the U.S. may oppose any federal action it believes encroaches on its sovereignty.

Other Words From

• nonin·ter·po·sition noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of interposition¹

1375–1425; late Middle English interposicio ( u ) n < Latin interpositiōn- (stem of interpositiō ), equivalent to interposit ( us ) (past participle of interpōnere to place between) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

“Of course I know interposition is invalid,” he admitted.

From Salon

Mack told NPR in 2019 that sheriffs "have the responsibility to interpose – it's the 'doctrine of interposition' – whenever anybody is trying to diminish or violate the individual rights of our counties."

From Salon

However, much of what is currently being taught today about using interposition to undermine the legitimacy of government is sourced in reconstructionism.

From Salon

The words of the proclamation to “fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation” resonate anew.

From Washington Post

In his Thanksgiving proclamation in 1863 during the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln urged citizens to “fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it.”

From Washington Post

Related Words

• encroachment
• imposition
• incursion
• interference
• intervention
• invasion