interpose

in·ter·pose

verb \ˌin-tər-ˈpōz\

in·ter·posedin·ter·pos·ing

Definition of INTERPOSE

transitive verb

1

a : to place in an intervening position

b : to put (oneself) between : intrude

2

: to put forth by way of interference or intervention

3

: to introduce or throw in between the parts of a conversation or argument

intransitive verb

1

: to be or come between

2

: to step in between parties at variance : intervene

3

: interrupt

— in·ter·pos·er noun

Examples of INTERPOSE

1. The new system has interposed a bureaucratic barrier between doctors and patients.
2. He tried to interpose himself between the people who were fighting.
3. Please allow me to interpose a brief observation.

Origin of INTERPOSE

Middle French interposer, from Latin interponere (perfect indicative interposui), from inter- + ponere to put — more at position

First Known Use: 1582

Related to INTERPOSE

Synonyms

intercede, intermediate, intervene, mediate

Related Words

butt in, interfere, intrude, meddle, obtrude, pry, snoop; arbitrate, moderate, negotiate, referee; barge (in), bother; break (in), chime in, cut in; infringe, invade, trespass

Near Antonyms

stand by; avoid, eschew, shun; disregard, ignore, overlook

Synonym Discussion of INTERPOSE

interpose, interfere, intervene, mediate, intercede mean to come or go between. interpose often implies no more than this <interposed herself between him and the door>. interfere implies hindering <noise interfered with my concentration>. intervene may imply an occurring in space or time between two things or a stepping in to stop a conflict <quarreled until the manager intervened>. mediate implies intervening between hostile factions <mediated between the parties>. intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness <interceded on our behalf>.

Rhymes with INTERPOSE

Berlioz, cabbage rose, cellulose, c'est autre chose, China rose, Christmas rose, compass rose, counterpose, damask rose, decompose, diagnose, discompose, indispose, juxtapose, on the nose, panty hose, pettitoes, predispose, presuppose, pussytoes, recompose, shovelnose, superpose, support hose, swaddling clothes, thumb one's nose