intercession

American  

[in-ter-sesh-uhn] / ˌɪn tərˈsɛʃ ən /

noun

1. an act or instance of interceding.

2. an interposing or pleading on behalf of another person.

3. a prayer to God on behalf of another.

4. Roman History. the interposing of a veto, as by a tribune.

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intercession British  

/ ˌɪntəˈsɛʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of interceding

2. the act of interceding or offering petitionary prayer to God on behalf of others

3. such petitionary prayer

4. Roman history the interposing of a veto by a tribune or other magistrate

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Other Word Forms

• intercessional adjective
• intercessor noun
• intercessorial adjective
• preintercession noun

Etymology

Origin of intercession

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin intercessiōn- (stem of intercessiō ), equivalent to intercess ( us ) past participle of intercēdere to intercede (equivalent to interced- variant stem + -tus past participle suffix, with -dt- > -ss- ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Constant upkeep and repair can be a kind of life-affirming ritual—an appreciation for how even the best-made machines require the regular intercession of human skill and diligence.

From The Wall Street Journal

After beatification, a miracle attributed to the Ulmas’ intercession would be necessary for their eventual canonization, as the church’s sainthood process is called.

From Seattle Times

But most of all, the anastenaria feel empowered through the saints’ intercession to put out the smoldering embers.

From Seattle Times

Washington’s intercession ahead of the war’s anniversary appears to have been only partially successful.

From Washington Post

His hospitalization and photos showing an uncomfortable and grimacing pope being helped to move after the Wednesday audience touched off a flurry of speculation and a global prayer chain as Catholic leaders called for intercession.

From Washington Times