interject
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to insert between other things.
to interject a clarification of a previous statement.
- Synonyms:
- intercalate, interpolate, introduce, insinuate
-
Obsolete. to come between.
verb
-
to interpose abruptly or sharply; interrupt with; throw in
she interjected clever remarks
-
archaic to come between; interpose
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of interject
First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin interjectus, past participle of interjicere “to throw between,” equivalent to inter- “between, among, together” + -jec- (combining form of jac-, stem of jacere “to throw”) + -tus past participle suffix; see inter-
Explanation
When you interject, you interrupt or put yourself in the middle of something. Ever have a coworker interject himself into the plans for your big project at work when he wasn't really needed? First used in the late 16th century, the verb interject comes from the Latin word interjicere, which combines inter-, meaning "between," and jacere, meaning "to throw." It's most often used to describe something that's abruptly thrown into a conversion. It can be considered rude to suddenly interject a question into a conversation that doesn't involve you. But you might interject a personal story into a boring presentation to liven things up.
Vocabulary lists containing interject
Power Prefix: inter-
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List 5
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Walk Two Moons
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The same principle applies in meetings: Bosses should hold back their opinions until others have spoken, and not interject even to express agreement.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 26, 2025
However, for a criminal suspect on trial to interject and instruct a witness not to answer a prosecutor's question during cross-examination is something nearly unheard of in a court.
From BBC • Feb. 18, 2025
But so few interject a sense of play into our sleep habits.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2024
His answers were discursive, and reporters tried to interject.
From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2024
“Me too. You wouldn’t believe the things I believe in,” I interject, sounding frantic, wanting to join in their repartee so I don’t stare at it.
From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
