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

Example Sentences

In a sweeping injunction issued on June 5, Judge Seybourn Lynne forbade Wallace from “physically interposing his person” to block the entrance of the students.

From Time

Mr. Pontellier declined to interfere, to interpose either his influence or his authority.

From Project Gutenberg

The Canadian tried to interpose, but the Chief sternly imposed silence on him.

From Project Gutenberg

I felt it was time to interpose, and said that I did not see that it would help us very much to go into that matter in detail.

From Project Gutenberg

But when Meg proposed to take the girl immediately back to Gray Gables, he did not interpose the least objection.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a proverb which foretells peril to such as interpose in the quarrels of others.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• arbitrate