Verb

ein|greifen

to intervene, to interfere, to step in

Die Polizei musste eingreifen.

The police had to intervene.

Man sollte nicht in einen Streit eingreifen.

One should not intervene in an argument.

Der Staat greift in die Wirtschaft ein.

The state intervenes in the economy.

((in sth.acc)) to intervene (in sth.) The government intervenes in the market.

intervenieren (to intervene), sich einmischen (to interfere)

From 'ein-' (in) and 'greifen' (to grab, to grip). The literal meaning is 'to grab into' something.

Imagine physically reaching 'in' (ein-) and 'grabbing' (greifen) a situation to take control or stop something. It implies a direct action.

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