interposition

noun

in·​ter·​po·​si·​tion ˌin-tər-pə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce interposition (audio)
1
a
: the act of interposing
b
: the action of a state whereby its sovereignty is placed between its citizens and the federal government
2
: something interposed

Examples of interposition in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The affinities in maritime Southeast Asia are a bit clouded because of the interposition of Islam between moderns and the Dharmic past. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 20 July 2011 Some degree of interposition nevertheless, is at all times and everywhere called for. Bruce Bartlett, The New Republic, 17 Aug. 2020 Without covering to hide my naked body!, in an enemy's country, without food or means to obtain any!, and among Tories more unrelenting than the devil! more perils to encounter and nothing to aid me but the interposition of heaven. Matt Campbell, kansascity, 30 Apr. 2018 Although the man who had once championed a national veto over state laws now seemed to assert the right of states to reject acts of Congress, Madison insisted that interposition meant only an appeal to public opinion. Susan Dunn, New York Times, 1 Nov. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of interposition was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near interposition

Cite this Entry

“Interposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interposition. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on interposition

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!