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

Example Sentences

Dubai's media office said authorities there responded to "a minor incident caused by debris from an aerial interception" that fell on a building around the marina area.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates shut down a gas field after a missile interception reportedly rained debris on it and started a fire, the Associated Press reported.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Another building was damaged by debris from an interception in Haniel, a farming community in the central Sharon region, but no injuries were reported.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

A separate statement said "some civilian facilities sustained material damage as a result of falling fragments and debris from interception operations".

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

When Terrell throws a fourth-quarter interception, the Bellmont football team ends up finishing 2-6 for the season, so they don’t make the playoffs.

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick