interception

American  

[in-ter-sep-shuhn] / ˌɪn tərˈsɛp ʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of intercepting.

2. the state or fact of being intercepted.

3. Military.

   1. the engaging of an enemy force in an attempt to hinder or prevent it from carrying out its mission.

   2. the monitoring of enemy radio transmission to obtain information.

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Etymology

Origin of interception

First recorded in 1590–1600, interception is from the Latin word interceptiōn- (stem of interceptiō ). See intercept, -ion

Explanation

Interception is blocking or stopping something from reaching its intended destination. Your clever interception of a note passed in math class kept your crush from learning your true feelings. While you might hear about an intelligence agency's interception of secret spy messages or your sister's interception of the family's goofy dog before he knocks your grandma down, this word is most commonly used in sports. American football is all about interceptions, moments when one player grabs hold of a ball that was thrown to the opposing team: "They played a really strong defense, with three interceptions."

Example Sentences

Chinese defense publications and procurement activity indicate a multilayered approach that combines radar, electro-optical sensors, electronic warfare, and AI-driven interception — structurally similar to the Western model but developed independently.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 29, 2026

The ministry insisted that it was an "isolated" incident not linked the UK's interception of a Russian vessel over the weekend.

From Barron's • Jun. 16, 2026

Israeli media reported that damage was caused to four buildings in an outpost near the Israeli settlement of Itamar, in the north of the occupied West Bank, as a result of a missile interception.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

“We will be deploying drone mitigation and interception teams with capabilities to detect, track and assess unauthorized drone activity that threatens aviation safety or the public around venues at major events,” Grandy said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

In the place of his dreams, Mike Winchell had just had the worst performance of his Permian career, four for twenty-four passing for fifty-seven yards and one interception.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger