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 Word Forms

• noninterposition 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

There were even these fake legal theories known as "interposition" to resist the courts' orders about civil rights.

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“Of course I know interposition is invalid,” he admitted.

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Mack told NPR in 2019 that sheriffs "have the responsibility to interpose – it's the 'doctrine of interposition' – whenever anybody is trying to diminish or violate the individual rights of our counties."

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However, much of what is currently being taught today about using interposition to undermine the legitimacy of government is sourced in reconstructionism.

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The words of the proclamation to “fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation” resonate anew.

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Related Words

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