rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryintercedeIntervening on another's behalf
verb

intercede

in-ter-SEED/ˌɪntərˈsiːd/

To intervene on behalf of a person or cause.

The older man intercedes for the employee before the angry café manager.

An older man steps between an angry café manager and a young employee, gently shielding the employee while appealing to the manager with an open, calming hand.
Etymology
interLatinbetween
+cedeLatinto go

The pieces convey “going between.” Coming between people became acting as a mediator, then intervening or pleading on another person's behalf.

In context

Ananas Stars46:09
gof asked Gilmore who turned down the offer and then asked Mason to intercede on his behalf
Pink Floyd

More examples

  • Could you intercede for me and ask the landlord for more time?
  • The union interceded on behalf of the dismissed workers.
  • He is interceding with city officials to save the community garden.

Forms

intercede · intercedes · interceded · interceding

intercession noun — The act of intervening on another's behalf.

Similar words

intervene
Means stepping into a situation, not necessarily on someone's behalf.
mediate
Focuses on settling disagreements rather than supporting one side.
advocate
Emphasizes supporting someone or something, without necessarily stepping between parties.