interject

American  

[in-ter-jekt] / ˌɪn tərˈdʒɛkt /

verb (used with object)

1. to insert between other things.

   to interject a clarification of a previous statement.

   Synonyms:

   intercalate, interpolate, introduce, insinuate

2. Obsolete. to come between.

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interject British  

/ ˌɪntəˈdʒɛkt /

verb

1. to interpose abruptly or sharply; interrupt with; throw in

   she interjected clever remarks

2. archaic to come between; interpose

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Other Word Forms

• interjector noun
• uninterjected adjective

Etymology

Origin of interject

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin interjectus, past participle of interjicere “to throw between,” equivalent to inter- “between, among, together” + -jec- (combining form of jac-, stem of jacere “to throw”) + -tus past participle suffix; see inter-

Explanation

When you interject, you interrupt or put yourself in the middle of something. Ever have a coworker interject himself into the plans for your big project at work when he wasn't really needed? First used in the late 16th century, the verb interject comes from the Latin word interjicere, which combines inter-, meaning "between," and jacere, meaning "to throw." It's most often used to describe something that's abruptly thrown into a conversion. It can be considered rude to suddenly interject a question into a conversation that doesn't involve you. But you might interject a personal story into a boring presentation to liven things up.

Example Sentences

I wanted to interject some levity, because the work can get so dark.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

The same principle applies in meetings: Bosses should hold back their opinions until others have spoken, and not interject even to express agreement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 26, 2025

"It's the sheer amount of time people off the playing surface are interjecting, or being asked to interject, that's making the games at times a bit of a mess."

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

"Quiet, please," he continued when Harris tried to interject, in seeming reference to her well-known response to former VP Mike Pence's interruptions during a 2020 debate.

From Salon • Sep. 11, 2024

That had certainly been the occasion to interject his critical facility in assessing the meaning of experimental observations—but he had said nothing useful.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson