What does intercessor mean?
An intercessor is someone who acts or speaks on behalf of another, particularly by mediating between people or presenting a request to a person or authority in a position of power. The role can be diplomatic or political, as when a trusted representative seeks to reconcile rival groups, or religious, as when someone is understood to pray for others. The word carries a tone of mediation, advocacy, and trusted responsibility rather than ordinary assistance. It is more formal and literary than “helper” or “advocate,” and its use often suggests that the intercessor has some influence or recognized spiritual or social role. Because the word comes from the idea of “going between,” it is especially appropriate for a person who connects divided parties and communicates on another’s behalf.
nounA person who intercedes on behalf of another, especially by speaking or acting as a mediator or advocate. In religious contexts, it may refer to someone who prays on behalf of others.
- A person who mediates or advocates on behalf of another person or group.
"The ambassador served as an intercessor between the two governments."
"She became a trusted intercessor for families seeking justice."
"In the prayer, the faithful ask the intercessor to present their petitions to God."
The plural is intercessors, with the stress remaining on the second syllable.
"Several intercessors worked quietly to bring the opposing parties together."
From the Latin for “go between,” an intercessor is the person who crosses the space between disputing parties and makes a plea on someone’s behalf.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intercessor come from?
The English word derives from the Latin intercessor, a noun formed from intercedere, meaning “to go between” or “intervene.” Intercedere combines inter-, “between,” with cedere, “to go,” and comes from the same root underlyingcede. The related forms intercession and intercessory entered English through Latin and French, while intercede was directly borrowed from Latin.
Related word forms
How intercessor is actually used
The word is formal and relatively uncommon in everyday speech. It is especially associated with legal, diplomatic, political, and religious contexts.
Easily confused with intercessor
An intercessor is a person who intercedes, whereas intercessory is typically an adjective describing intervention or the role of an intercessor.