What does it mean to 'intervene' in a situation?

To 'intervene' in a situation means to step in and change its direction. This action often signifies an attempt to influence the outcome, address a problem, or alter the course of events. For example, if there is a conflict between two individuals, intervening might involve mediating the discussion to help resolve their differences. The essence of intervention is the involvement intended to bring about a change or improvement in the situation.

In contrast, managing a situation implies overseeing it without necessarily altering its course, while observing it closely means watching or monitoring the situation without taking action. Dismissing a situation entirely means ignoring it, which does not align with the idea of intervening where there is proactive involvement.