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

Example Sentences

Critics mocked the former president online, with some leaping to point out that he also incorrectly used "interpose" in his excuse.

From Salon

Such a note, seemingly interposed at random, echoes Whitman and DeFeo.

From Los Angeles Times

This device is so effective, in fact, that Kijak borrows it wholesale, repeatedly interposing these moments of gay serendipity, many of them identical to those in “Home Movies.”

From New York Times

An “uncharged co-conspirator” recorded the protest and said the group was “going over to stand in front of the door” of the clinic and “interpose,” the indictment said.

From Washington Times

But those who try to interpose the regime in the most personal aspects of people’s lives, including the choice of what to wear, run different kinds of risks.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• arbitrate