What does intervention mean?
An intervention is an action taken to interrupt, alter, or improve an existing process or situation. It can refer broadly to action by a person, organisation, or government, as in “early intervention” in healthcare or educational support. In international affairs, the word often denotes direct political or military action by an outside state in another country’s internal affairs, and it may therefore carry political or controversial associations. The word can also describe any deliberate step intended to change a course of events, including intervention in a dispute, an emergency, or a problem affecting a community. Unlike the frequently negative word “interference,” intervention does not necessarily imply unwelcome meddling: its meaning depends heavily on the context and purpose of the action. It is especially useful when describing purposeful action taken before a situation worsens or to redirect its outcome.
nounAn action taken to change or interrupt a process, course of events, or situation. In politics and international relations, it often refers to direct action by one state or group in another state's affairs.
- An action undertaken to change, interrupt, or influence a process or situation.
- A direct action by one country in the internal affairs of another, especially military or political action.
- A deliberate action intended to improve a situation, such as educational, medical, or social intervention.
"Early intervention by the doctors prevented the infection from spreading."
"The government introduced a new programme to reduce unemployment through targeted intervention."
"Military intervention in the region continued for several months before negotiations began."
The plural is used for separate acts of intervening, whether by the same or different actors.
"The crisis prompted several interventions by local community groups."
From the Latin for “to come between,” an intervention is literally an event or action made to step between two people, forces, or courses of action.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of intervention
The word comes from Latin interventio, a noun formed from inter venire, meaning “to come between.” The English form entered use in the 16th century, initially in senses connected with intervening or coming between people or events. The related verb “intervene” developed from the same Latin source and retains the basic idea of stepping in to alter a course of action. Later political and military uses extended the word’s application to direct action between states.
Related word forms
How intervention is actually used
The term is neutral in general use but often carries political connotations in discussions of international relations. In medicine, education, and social policy, it usually suggests organized or purposeful action rather than informal involvement.
Easily confused with intervention
Interference often means unwanted or obstructive involvement, whereas intervention is usually deliberate action intended to alter, assist, or resolve a situation.