interpose

Verb

interpose (third-person singular simple present interposes, present participle interposing, simple past and past participle interposed)

1. (transitive) To insert something (or oneself) between other things.
   • to interpose a screen between the eye and the light
   • What watchful cares do interpose themselves
     Betwixt your eyes and night?1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Iulius Cæsar”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward]...

   Synonyms:

   insert

2. (transitive) To interrupt a conversation by introducing a different subject or making a comment.
   • As one who in his journey bates at Noone,
     Though bent on speed, so her the Archangel paused
     Betwixt the world destroyed and world restored,
     If Adam aught perhaps might interpose;
     Then with transition sweet new Speech resumes.1667, John Milton, “Book XII”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished...
   • “A beautiful country!”
     “I suppose it is. Everybody says so.”
     “Your cousin Feenix raves about it, Edith,” interposed her mother from her couch.1846 October 1 – 1848 April 1, Charles Dickens, Dombey and Son, London: Bradbury and Evans, […], published 1848, →OCLC

   Synonyms:

   interrupt

3. (transitive) To offer (one's help or services).
4. (intransitive) To be inserted between parts or things; to come between.
   • Suppose, unlook’d for in a scene so rude,
     Long hid by interposing hill or wood,
     Some mansion neat and elegantly dress’d,
     By some kind hospitable heart possess’d
     Offer him warmth, security and rest;1781 (date written), William Cowper, “Truth”, in Poems, London: […] J[oseph] Johnson, […], published 1782, →OCLC
5. (intransitive) To intervene in a dispute, or in a conversation.
   • The doctor now interposed, and prevented the effects of a wrath which was kindling between Jones and Thwackum […]1749, Henry Fielding, chapter IX, in The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, volume (please specify |volume=I to VI), London: A[ndrew] Millar, […], →OCLC, book V
   • "My daughters," replied Sir Thomas, gravely interposing, "have their pleasures at Brighton, and I hope are very happy; […]"1814 May 9, [Jane Austen], chapter VIII, in Mansfield Park: […], volume II, London: […] [George Sidney] for T[homas] Egerton, […], →OCLC, page 170