Intervention Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈtərˌvɛnʃən/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A formal, often confrontational meeting or session in which a person is urged to seek help for a problem, typically when they are struggling with addiction, but can also be used for other health or personal issues.

Examples

1. “The family staged an intervention for their loved one, hoping to persuade them to seek treatment for their addiction.”

2. “The employer arranged an intervention for an employee struggling with mental health issues, providing support and resources for their well-being.”

Synonyms

1. Confrontation

2. Counseling

3. Therapy

Antonyms

1. Avoidance

2. Denial

Etymology

The word “intervention” comes from the Latin “intervenire,” meaning “to come between,” and has been used in English since the 15th century to describe a formal meeting or action taken to address a problem or issue.

Additional Information

Interventions can be a powerful tool for helping individuals overcome addiction, mental health issues, or other personal struggles. They often involve a group of people, including family members, friends, and professionals, who come together to express their concerns and support the individual in seeking help. Interventions can be held in a variety of settings, including homes, hospitals, or treatment centers.

There are different types of interventions, including:

1. Family-based interventions, which involve family members and loved ones.

2. Professional interventions, which involve trained therapists or counselors.

3. Support group interventions, which involve a group of people who have experienced similar struggles.

Interventions can be a complex and sensitive process, requiring careful planning and execution. It’s essential to approach the situation with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to support the individual in their journey towards recovery.

Some common goals of an intervention include:

1. Encouraging the individual to seek professional help.

2. Providing support and resources for the individual’s recovery.

3. Helping the individual to understand the impact of their behavior on others.

4. Facilitating a smooth transition into treatment or therapy.

Usage Notes

When using the word “intervention” in different contexts, it’s essential to consider the nuances of the situation and the individual’s needs. For example:

1. In a medical setting, an intervention might refer to a medical procedure or treatment.

2. In a social or personal context, an intervention might refer to a confrontational meeting or a supportive conversation.

3. In a business or organizational setting, an intervention might refer to a team-building exercise or a conflict resolution process.

Cultural References

The concept of intervention has been depicted in various forms of media, including:

1. The TV show “Intervention,” which documents real-life interventions and their outcomes.

2. The movie “28 Days,” which features a character who undergoes an intervention for her addiction.

3. The book “The Intervention,” which explores the complexities of addiction and recovery through a fictional narrative.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “intervention” include:

1. “Intervention is key” (emphasizing the importance of taking action to address a problem).

2. “Intervention is necessary” (highlighting the need for a formal meeting or action to address a situation).

3. “Intervention is a last resort” (indicating that it’s a final option when other approaches have failed).

Related Words or Phrases

Some words or phrases closely related to “intervention” include:

1. Counseling

2. Therapy

3. Support group

4. Treatment

Collocations

Some common word combinations with the term “intervention” include:

1. “Intervention team” (a group of people who come together to address a problem).

2. “Intervention process” (the steps involved in planning and executing an intervention).

3. “Intervention services” (professional help or support provided during an intervention).

Frequency of Use

The word “intervention” is commonly used in various contexts, including:

1. Healthcare and social services.

2. Education and training.

3. Business and organizational settings.

4. Media and popular culture.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings or variations of the word “intervention” include:

1. “Intervenion”

2. “Intervenionist”

3. “Intervenionary”