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

The interposition of saints next came to be deemed essential, and again with the most conflicting results.

From Project Gutenberg

The right of State interposition strikes at the very foundation of the legislative power of Congress.

From Project Gutenberg

Here is a plain interposition, by physical force, to resist the laws of the Union.

From Project Gutenberg

There is nothing else in it which ought to call for this interposition.

From Project Gutenberg

The tumult was appeased by the venerable interposition of Turisund.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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