interpose

[ in-ter-pohz ]

verb (used with object)

, in·ter·posed, in·ter·pos·ing.

1. to place between; cause to intervene:

   to interpose an opaque body between a light and the eye.

   Synonyms: inject, insinuate, insert, introduce

2. to put (a barrier, obstacle, etc.) between or in the way of.
3. to put in (a remark, question, etc.) in the midst of a conversation, discourse, or the like.

   Synonyms: interject

4. to bring (influence, action, etc.) to bear between parties, or on behalf of a party or person.

verb (used without object)

, in·ter·posed, in·ter·pos·ing.

1. to come between other things; assume an intervening position or relation.
2. to step in between parties at variance; mediate.

   Synonyms: intercede, intervene

3. to put in or make a remark by way of interruption.

   Synonyms: interject

interpose

/ ˌɪntəˈpəʊz /

verb

1. to put or place between or among other things
2. to introduce (comments, questions, etc) into a speech or conversation; interject
3. to exert or use power, influence, or action in order to alter or intervene in (a situation)

Derived Forms

• ˌinterˈposable, adjective
• ˌinterˈposal, noun
• ˌinterˈposer, noun

Other Words From

• inter·posa·ble adjective
• inter·posal noun
• inter·poser noun
• inter·posing·ly adverb
• unin·ter·posed adjective
• unin·ter·posing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of interpose¹

From the Middle French word interposer, dating back to 1590–1600. See inter-, pose ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of interpose¹

C16: from Old French interposer, from Latin interpōnere, from inter- + pōnere to put

Related Words

• arbitrate