interceptor

American  

[in-ter-sep-ter] / ˌɪn tərˈsɛp tər /

Or intercepter

noun

1. a person or thing that intercepts.

2. Military. a fighter aircraft with fast-reaction capabilities, used to identify and, if appropriate, engage other aircraft in combat.

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interceptor British  

/ ˌɪntəˈsɛptə /

noun

1. a person or thing that intercepts

2. a fast highly manoeuvrable fighter aircraft used to intercept enemy aircraft

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Etymology

Origin of interceptor

1590–1600; < Latin, equivalent to intercep- ( see intercept) + -tor -tor ( def. )

Example Sentences

The “seeker” in the missile’s nose—a vital part that allows the interceptor to lock onto incoming missiles and aircraft—comes from a single Boeing factory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Riki Ben-David, 45, was sitting in her garden in Shomera on Saturday night when an Israeli interceptor erroneously exploded in the air without sirens being sounded in advance.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

Yurii Inhat, a spokesman for Ukraine's Air Force, says the main problem remains "the limited number of interceptor missiles available for Ukraine's air defences".

From BBC • May 26, 2026

Reports later suggested that stocks of the more advanced Arrow interceptor system had fallen dangerously low.

From Barron's • May 16, 2026

Piper put her new sword to good use, while spraying food from the cornucopia in her other hand—using hams, chickens, apples, and oranges as interceptor missiles.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan