interceptor

Or in·ter·cept·er

[in-ter-sep-ter]

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.

interceptor

/ ˌɪntəˈsɛptə /

noun

1. a person or thing that intercepts

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of interceptor¹

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

Example Sentences

“We will co-produce interceptor drones and work on developing critical technologies and components that can be integrated into Ukrainian drones.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Russia has ramped up massive combined drone and missile strikes on cities deep inside Ukraine, and Kyiv has only a limited supply of interceptors.

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It wasn’t a nuclear missile that failed to work, it was an interceptor.

Read more on Salon

The company said a new satellite contract and swelling demand for its Patriot missile interceptor components were improving the division’s prospects.

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It is developing a low-cost interceptor designed to strike the targeted drone, forcing it to crash.

Read more on BBC