interception

[in-ter-sep-shuh n]

See more synonyms for interception on Thesaurus.com

noun

an act or instance of intercepting.
the state or fact of being intercepted.
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.

Origin of interception

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for interception

stopping, interference

Examples from the Web for interception

Contemporary Examples of interception

The interception was one of more than 300 since the surge in fighting between Israel and the Islamic Hamas group last week.
Israel’s Iron Dome: The Ultimate Missile Destroyer
Dan Ephron
November 18, 2012
The other, to his immediate left, is calling for a touchback, the result of an interception.
The NFL Replacement Referees’ 6 Worst Blown Calls (VIDEO)
Jake Heller
September 26, 2012
How could they review that and not decide that was an interception?
Okay, It's Really Time to Settle the NFL Strike
Michael Tomasky
September 25, 2012

Historical Examples of interception

The interception of all lateral light caused a dismal gloom.
A Journey to the Western Isles of Scotland
Samuel Johnson
It should never mean worse if the danger of interception is properly guarded.
The Forward Pass in Football
Elmer Berry
They are the last and possibly by far the most important “safety” in case of interception.
The Forward Pass in Football
Elmer Berry
At this interception everybody turned suddenly and looked at the Lay Reader.
Peace on Earth, Good-will to Dogs
Eleanor Hallowell Abbott
The interception of Fauchet's famous dispatch number 10 had been fatal to Randolph.
The Life of John Marshall (Volume 2 of 4)
Albert J. Beveridge

Word Origin and History for interception

early 15c., "action of intercepting" (the flow of a bodily fluid), from Latin interceptionem (nominative interceptio) "a seizing, taking away," noun of action from intercipere (see intercept). Specific football/rugby sense is attested by 1906. Meaning "action of closing in on and destroying an enemy aircraft, etc." is recorded from 1941.