intercept

[ verb in-ter-sept; noun in-ter-sept ]

verb (used with object)

1. to take, seize, or halt (someone or something on the way from one place to another); cut off from an intended destination:

   to intercept a messenger.

2. to see or overhear (a message, transmission, etc., meant for another):

   We intercepted the enemy's battle plan.

3. to stop or check (passage, travel, etc.):

   to intercept the traitor's escape.

4. Sports. to take possession of (a ball or puck) during an attempted pass by an opposing team.
5. to stop or interrupt the course, progress, or transmission of.
6. to destroy or disperse (enemy aircraft or a missile or missiles) in the air on the way to a target.
7. to stop the natural course of (light, water, etc.).
8. Mathematics. to mark off or include, as between two points or lines.
9. to intersect.
10. Obsolete. to prevent or cut off the operation or effect of.
11. Obsolete. to cut off from access, sight, etc.

noun

1. an interception.
2. Mathematics.
   1. an intercepted segment of a line.
   2. (in a coordinate system) the distance from the origin to the point at which a curve or line intersects an axis.

intercept

verb

1. to stop, deflect, or seize on the way from one place to another; prevent from arriving or proceeding
2. sport to seize or cut off (a pass) on its way from one opponent to another
3. maths to cut off, mark off, or bound (some part of a line, curve, plane, or surface)

noun

1. maths
   1. a point at which two figures intersect
   2. the distance from the origin to the point at which a line, curve, or surface cuts a coordinate axis
   3. an intercepted segment
2. sport the act of intercepting an opponent's pass

intercept

/ ĭn′tər-sĕpt′ /

1. In a Cartesian coordinate system, the coordinate of a point at which a line, curve, or surface intersects a coordinate axis. If a curve intersects the x -axis at (4,0), then 4 is the curve's x -intercept; if the curve intersects the y -axis at (0,2), then 2 is its y -intercept.

Derived Forms

• ˌinterˈceptive, adjective
• ˌinterˈception, noun

Other Words From

• inter·ceptive adjective
• nonin·ter·cepting adjective
• nonin·ter·ceptive adjective
• unin·ter·cepted adjective
• unin·ter·cepting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercept¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin interceptus, past participle of intercipere “to intercept,” equivalent to inter- “between, among, together” + -cep- (combining form of cap-, stem of capere “to take”) + -tus past participle suffix; inter-; incipient

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercept¹

C16: from Latin intercipere to seize before arrival, from inter- + capere to take

Example Sentences

"Don't write it and send it in an email someone could intercept and put in the New York Times."

From Salon

You find their schedule and their routine, and then you intercept them somewhere along the line on their routine.

From Slate

Ryan Grim of The Intercept called the exchange an “incredible historical document” that revealed how high-ranking US officials seek to control narratives and restrict information, especially around Israel and Gaza.

From Salon

Tarheeb Still’s second interception, returned 61 yards for a touchdown, is the difference as the Chargers intercept four passes in a road win over the Falcons.

From Los Angeles Times

The “gold standard” for the UK would be to strike a generous beach-returns deal with France, says Mr Walsh, in which France agrees to take back migrants who arrive via the Channel and intercept boats.

From BBC

Related Words

• ambush
• arrest
• block
• catch
• cut off
• deflect
• hijack
• prevent
• seize
• stop
• take away