Intervenen

Intervenen is a Dutch verb meaning to intervene: to step in or take action in order to influence an ongoing situation, often to prevent harm, resolve a problem, or alter the course of events. Intervening can be carried out by individuals, organizations, governments, or international bodies, and the intervention can be direct or indirect, preventive or reactive.

The term is used in various contexts. In politics and international relations, interventions include diplomacy, mediation, humanitarian aid, or, in some cases, military or peacekeeping actions. In law and public policy, governments may intervene in markets, regulate activities, or provide social services. In medicine and science, an intervention refers to a treatment or procedure introduced to change the trajectory of a condition. In everyday life, parents, teachers, or managers may intervene to protect someone, resolve a dispute, or restore order.

Etymology and usage notes: the Dutch verb is derived from the French intervenir or the Latin intervenire, built on inter- “between” and venire “to come.” The noun interventie (intervention) is widely used, and the related verb interveneren is the standard modern form in many contexts. The form intervenen may appear in older texts, regional usages, or as a less common variant.

See also: interventie, interveneren in medicine, humanitarian intervention, mediation.