interpose

American  

[in-ter-pohz] / ˌɪn tərˈpoʊz /

verb (used with object)

interposed, interposing

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.

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verb (used without object)

interposed, interposing

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 British  

/ 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)

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Other Word Forms

• interposable
  adjective
• interposal
  noun
• interposer
  noun
• interposingly
  adverb
• uninterposed
  adjective
• uninterposing
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of interpose

From the Middle French word interposer, dating back to 1590–1600. See inter-, pose ¹

Explanation

It's annoying when advertisers interpose commercials between segments of your favorite TV show. To interpose is to interrupt by placing something in between other things. If you look closely at the word interpose, you'll see inter, which means "between," and pose, which means "position." Don't think of this only in the physical sense though. It can also mean "interject," or say quickly, and also "get involved in." If you want to interpose when another person interposes himself between you and your friend in a long queue, you might interpose, "Hey, no cutting!"

Example Sentences

Interpose between him and his children as I have done.

From The Lily of the Valley by Wormeley, Katharine Prescott

Oh! my Lavinia, may thy Counsel prove Prophetic, I'm going now, in this Disguise, to meet my Dear Palante; may no malignant Star Interpose to cross our mutual Wishes.

From The Stolen Heiress or, The Salamanca Doctor Outplotted by Centlivre, Susanna

Interpose, in-tėr-pōz′, v.t. to place between: to thrust in: to offer, as aid or services.—v.i. to come between: to mediate: to put in by way of interruption: to interfere.—ns.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

O Muse, Interpose not one pulse of thine own beating heart Twixt these two silent souls!

From Lucile by Meredith, Owen

Interpose what he might, still was it all as airy transparency between himself and that piercing glance.

From The Red Moccasins A Story by Heady, Morrison

Related Words

• arbitrate