intercede

[ in-ter-seed ]

verb (used without object)

, in·ter·ced·ed, in·ter·ced·ing.

1. to act or interpose in behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble, as by pleading or petition:

   to intercede with the governor for a condemned man.

   Synonyms: intervene

2. to attempt to reconcile differences between two people or groups; mediate.

   Synonyms: intervene

3. Roman History. (of a tribune or other magistrate) to interpose a veto.

intercede

/ ˌɪntəˈsiːd /

verb

1. often foll by in to come between parties or act as mediator or advocate

   to intercede in the strike

2. Roman history (of a tribune or other magistrate) to interpose a veto

Derived Forms

• ˌinterˈceder, noun

Other Words From

• inter·ceder noun
• prein·ter·cede verb (used without object) preinterceded preinterceding

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercede¹

From the Latin word intercēdere, dating back to 1570–80. See inter-, cede

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercede¹

C16: from Latin intercēdere to intervene, from inter- + cēdere to move

Example Sentences

Navarro continued keeping Farrell at arm's length until others interceded and shuffled him away.

From Salon

One of the ABC moderators interceded to fact-check him, saying: “There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it’s born.”

From BBC

At this point, military chiefs decided to call on family members to intercede.

From BBC

I disputed the charge, but Wells Fargo repeatedly denied my claim, even when I asked the Better Business Bureau to intercede.

From New York Times

Four probation officers standing around the perimeter of the room can be seen watching and do nothing to intercede.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arbitrate
• intervene
• intrude
• plead