Definition of: intervene

(in′tər·vēn′) v.i. ·vened, ·ven·ing
1. To come between by action or authority; interfere or mediate: The king intervened in the quarrel.
2. To occur, as something irrelevant or unexpected, so as to influence or modify an action, result, etc.: I will come if nothing intervenes.
3. To be located between; lie between.
4. To take place between other events or times; happen in the meantime: Many years intervened.
5. Law To interpose in a lawsuit so as to become a party to it. [<L intervenire <inter- between + venire come]
—in′ter·ven′er noun
—in′ter·ven′ient (-vēn′yənt) adjective