» step in
Verb (2 meanings)
1. get involved, so as to alter or hinder an action, or through force or threat of force.
Example:
- “Why did the U.S. not intervene earlier in WW II?”
to step in is a way to:
- to interact (verb) - act together or towards others or with others
ways to step in:
- to interlope (verb) - encroach on the rights of others, as in trading without a proper license
- to meddle, tamper (verb) - intrude in other people's affairs or business
to step in is derivationally related to:
- intervenor (noun) - (law) a party who interposes in a pending proceeding
- intervention, intercession (noun) - the act of intervening (as to mediate a dispute, etc.)
- intervention, interference (noun) - a policy of intervening in the affairs of other countries
2. act as a substitute.
to substitute, deputize, deputise, step in
Example:
- “She stood in for the soprano who suffered from a cold”
to step in is a way to:
- to supplant, replace, supersede, supervene upon, supercede (verb) - take the place or move into the position of
ways to step in:
- to cover (verb) - help out by taking someone's place and temporarily assuming his responsibilities
to step in is derivationally related to:
- deputy, lieutenant (noun) - an assistant with power to act when his superior is absent
- deputy, deputy sheriff (noun) - someone authorized to exercise the powers of sheriff in emergencies
- deputy, surrogate (noun) - a person appointed to represent or act on behalf of others
- stand-in, substitute, relief, reliever, backup, backup man, fill-in (noun) - someone who takes the place of another (as when things get dangerous or difficult)
- subbing, substituting (noun) - working as a substitute for someone who is ill or on leave of absence
- substitute, reserve, second-stringer (noun) - an athlete who plays only when a starter on the team is replaced