ein|greifen
Translation
to intervene, to interfere, to step in
Examples
Die Polizei musste eingreifen.
The police had to intervene.
Er griff in die Diskussion ein.
He intervened in the discussion.
Greif nicht in die laufende Maschine ein!
Don't put your hand in the running machine!
Grammar Patterns
to intervene ((in sth.)) Die Regierung griff in die Wirtschaft ein.
Similar Words
Synonyms: intervenieren (to intervene), sich einmischen (to interfere); Antonyms: zulassen (to allow), zusehen (to stand by)
Etymology
From 'ein-' (in, into) + 'greifen' (to grab, grip). The literal meaning is 'to grab into' something, which developed into the sense of 'intervening'.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'grabbing into' a situation to take control or stop something, hence 'to intervene'.