Definition of: interpose

(in′tər·pōz′) v. ·posed, ·pos·ing v.t.
1. To place between other things; insert.
2. To put forward or introduce by way of intervention or interference: He interposed his authority.
3. To put in or inject, as a remark, into a conversation, argument, etc.
—v.i.
4. To come between; intervene.
5. To put in a remark; interrupt. [<F interposer place between <inter- between (<L) + poser. See POSE¹.]
—in′ter·po′sal noun
—in′ter·pos′er noun
—in′ter·pos′ing·ly adverb Synonyms: arbitrate, intercede, intercept, interfere, intermeddle, interrupt, meddle, mediate. To interpose is to place or come between other things or persons, usually as a means of obstruction or prevention of some effect or result that might otherwise occur. Intercede and interpose are used in a good sense; intermeddle always in a bad sense, and interfere frequently so. To intercede is to come between persons who are at variance, and plead with the stronger in behalf of the weaker. To intermeddle is to thrust oneself into the concerns of others with officiousness; meddling commonly arises from idle curiosity. To interfere is to intrude into others' affairs with more serious purpose, with or without acknowledged right or propriety. Intercept is applied to an object that may be seized or stopped while in transit; as, to intercept a letter or a messenger; interrupt is applied to an action which might or should be continuous, but is broken in upon (L rumpere to break) by some disturbing power. One who arbitrates or mediates must do so by the request or at least with the consent of the contending parties; the other words of the group imply that he steps in of his own accord. Antonyms: avoid, retire, withdraw.