interpose — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To insert something (or oneself) between other things.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   to interpose a screen between the eye and the light

   What watchful cares do interpose themselves Betwixt your eyes and night?

   More examples (1)

   Lands intersected by a narrow frith Abhor each other. Mountains interposed Make enemies of nations who had else Like kindred drops been mingled into one.

2. To interrupt a conversation by introducing a different subject or making a comment.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   As one who in his journey bates at Noone, Though bent on speed, so her the Archangel paused Betwixt the world destroyed and world restored, If Adam aught perhaps might interpose; Then with transition sweet new Speech resumes.

   “A beautiful country!” “I suppose it is. Everybody says so.” “Your cousin Feenix raves about it, Edith,” interposed her mother from her couch.

3. To offer (one's help or services).

   Usage

   • Transitive

4. To be inserted between parts or things; to come between.

   Usage

   • Intransitive

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   Suppose, unlook’d for in a scene so rude, Long hid by interposing hill or wood, Some mansion neat and elegantly dress’d, By some kind hospitable heart possess’d Offer him warmth, security and rest;

5. To intervene in a dispute, or in a conversation.

   Usage

   • Intransitive

   Examples

   The doctor now interposed, and prevented the effects of a wrath which was kindling between Jones and Thwackum […]

   "My daughters," replied Sir Thomas, gravely interposing, "have their pleasures at Brighton, and I hope are very happy; […]"

   More examples (1)

   Matilda and Sophy were quite in a flutter of pleasure

Verb

1. be or come between

   Broader terms

   come

   Examples

   An interposing thicket blocked their way

2. to put forth by way of intervention

   Broader terms

   introduce

   Examples

   God interposed death

3. to insert between other elements

   Synonyms

   interjectcome input inthrow ininject

   Broader terms

   interruptdisruptbreak upcut off

   Examples

   She interjected clever remarks

4. get involved, so as to alter or hinder an action, or through force or threat of force

   Synonyms

   intervenestep ininterfere

   Broader terms

   interact

   Examples

   Why did the U.S. not intervene earlier in WW II?