Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Interpose?

\In`ter*pose"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Interposed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Interposing}.] [F. interposer. See {Inter-}, and {Pose}, v. t.] 1. To place between; as, to interpose a screen between the eye and the light. Mountains interposed Make enemies of nations. --Cowper. 2. To thrust; to intrude; to between, either for aid or for troubling. What watchful cares do interpose themselves Betwixt your eyes and night? --Shak. The common Father of mankind seasonably interposed his hand, and rescues miserable man. --Woodward. 3. To introduce or inject between the parts of a conversation or argument. --Milton.
\In`ter*pose"\, v. i. 1. To be or come between. Long hid by interposing hill or wood. --Cowper. 2. To step in between parties at variance; to mediate; as, the prince interposed and made peace. --Pope. 3. To utter a sentiment by way of interruption. --Boyle. Syn: To intervene; intercede; mediate; interfere; intermeddle. Usage: To {Interpose}, {Intermeddle}, {Interfere}. A man may often interpose with propriety in the concerns of others; he can never intermeddle without being impertinent or officious; nor can be interfere without being liable to the same charge, unless he has rights which are interfered with. ``In our practical use, interference is something offensive. It is the pushing in of himself between two parties on the part of a third who was not asked, and is not thanked for his pains, and who, as the feeling of the word implies, had no business there; while interposition is employed to express the friendly, peacemaking mediation of one whom the act well became, and who, even if he was not specially invited thereunto, is still thanked for what he has done.'' --Trench.
\In"ter*pose\, n. Interposition. [Obs.]