What does interject mean?
Interject means to insert a remark or comment into a conversation, usually before another speaker has finished. The word often suggests that the interruption is sudden, brief, and perhaps intended to correct, challenge, or add information. “Interject a question,” “interject a remark,” and “interject an objection” are established uses. In legal and administrative contexts, interject has a more technical meaning: to formally place evidence, a document, or a statement into a proceeding. The word is somewhat formal in everyday use, but it is also common in journalism, debate, and descriptions of public exchanges. Its vivid history comes from the Latin interjicere, literally “to throw between,” which suggests casting words into the space of an ongoing conversation.
To insert a remark, question, or comment, especially abruptly and interrupting another speaker.
"Several audience members interjected questions during the announcement."
Common in formal reporting and descriptions of debate; it can imply an abrupt interruption.
To place evidence, a document, or a statement formally into a legal or administrative proceeding.
"The solicitor interjected a letter into the evidence."
This is a specialized formal use, especially associated with legal proceedings.
From the Latin for “throw between,” interject originally conveyed the image of casting a remark into the middle of a conversation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interject come from?
The word comes from Latin interjicere, formed from inter-, meaning “between,” and jacere, meaning “to throw.” It originally referred to throwing something between or into something else. English borrowed the word in the 16th century for inserting remarks into speech, and later extended it to legal and formal uses involving the insertion of documents or evidence.
Related word forms
How interject is actually used
In ordinary conversation, the word can sound formal or slightly confrontational because it implies an interruption. It is especially common in reporting, debate, legal language, and formal discussion.
Easily confused with interject
Interject usually means to insert a spoken remark into a conversation, whereas inject can mean to introduce a substance, idea, or other content into something.