interpose

Everyday

1. (formal) To interpose something is to place it between two things or people. tree →
2. (formal) To interpose yourself is to step in between people, for example to stop a fight. tree →
3. (formal) To interpose a remark is to interrupt by saying something. tree →

In the lessons

A formal, literary word found in older books, legal texts and exam-style writing. It tells the reader that someone or something came between others, often to block or protect. Phrases: interpose yourself between, interpose a question.

Examples

• The teacher interposed herself between the two angry boys. tree →
• «Wait a moment,» he interposed. tree →
• A thick wall was interposed between the street and the garden. tree →
• The guard interposed his shield between the knight and the arrow. tree →
• She interposed a question in the middle of his speech. tree →
• The moon interposes itself between the Earth and the Sun in a solar eclipse. tree →

Note

Formal; in everyday speech say «step in», «put between» or «interrupt». Regular verb: interposed. Noun: interposition. Not the same as «impose» (to force something on someone).

In Jewish tradition

A formal, literary word found in older books, legal texts and exam-style writing. It tells the reader that someone or something came between others, often to block or protect. Phrases: interpose yourself between, interpose a question.

Examples

• A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment; for if thou interpose, thou wilt add thereto. (Writings PRO.19.19, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Formal; in everyday speech say «step in», «put between» or «interrupt». Regular verb: interposed. Noun: interposition. Not the same as «impose» (to force something on someone).