Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of intervening to help settle a dispute or conflict: "Intercession" refers to the action of becoming involved in a situation to help resolve a problem between people or groups.
   • A prayer made on behalf of another person: In a religious context, "intercession" is the act of praying to God or a deity for the benefit or help of someone else.

Usage

• Use "intercession" as a countable noun to describe a specific instance of mediation or prayer.
• It is often used in formal, diplomatic, or religious contexts.
• Common structures: "through the intercession of [someone]", "to make an intercession for [someone]".

Examples

• Mediation/Intervention:
  • The dispute was resolved through the intercession of a neutral third party.
  • Her timely intercession prevented a serious argument between the two departments.
• Prayer:
  • The priest offered an intercession for the sick members of the congregation.
  • Many believers pray for the intercession of saints.

Advanced Usage

• "To make intercession": To formally intervene or pray on someone's behalf.
  • The ambassador made intercession with the foreign minister on behalf of the detained journalist.
• "Act of intercession": Emphasizes the action itself.
  • The act of intercession requires both compassion and courage.

Variants and Related Words

• Intercede (verb): To intervene or plead on behalf of another.
  • He asked his friend to intercede with the landlord.
• Intercessor (noun): A person who intervenes or prays on behalf of others.
  • She acted as an intercessor in the labor negotiations.
• Intercessory (adjective): Relating to or characterized by intercession.
  • They held an intercessory prayer service.

Synonyms

• Mediation: Intervention in a dispute to resolve it.
• Intervention: The action of becoming involved in a situation.
• Pleading: Making an emotional appeal.
• Prayer: A solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God.

Related Phrases

• Divine intercession: Intervention or help believed to come from God or a deity.
  • They attributed their survival to divine intercession.

Noun

1. the act of intervening (as to mediate a dispute, etc.)
   • it occurs without human intervention
2. a prayer to God on behalf of another person