step-in
1 of 2noun
ˈstep-ˌin 
: an article of clothing put on by being stepped into: such as
a
: a shoe resembling but usually having a higher vamp than a pump and having concealed elastic to adjust the fit
b
: short panties for women —usually used in plural
step-in adjective
step in
2 of 2verb
stepped in; stepping in; steps in
intransitive verb
1
a
: to intervene in an affair or dispute
b
: to act as a replacement
2
: to make a brief informal visit
Synonyms
Verb
- call
- come by
- come over
- drop by
- drop in
- pop (in)
- run (over)
- run in
- stop (by or in)
- visit
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Verb I just stepped in to say hi on my way to class. couldn't find anyone to step in for me so that I could take a break from my caregiving duties
Word History
First Known Use
Noun
1921, in the meaning defined above
Verb
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a