interceptor

American  

[in-ter-sep-ter] / ˌɪn tərˈsɛp tər /

Or intercepter

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.

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interceptor British  

/ ˌɪntəˈsɛptə /

noun

1. a person or thing that intercepts

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

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Etymology

Origin of interceptor

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

Example Sentences

Zelensky has offered to the United States an exchange of Ukraine's drone interceptors for the missiles.

From Barron's

The war with Iran, which started on Feb. 28, has featured thousands of military assets, including drones, missiles, interceptors, manned fighter jets, refueling planes, naval fleets, and scores of intelligence and reconnaissance tools.

From Barron's

Private Ukrainian arms companies have spearheaded the developement of drone interceptors -- cheap, light single-use drones that are designed to knock Russian unmanned aerial vehicles out of the sky.

From Barron's

At least two Patriot interceptors are typically required to destroy a single ballistic missile—often followed by a third or more if the first pair fail.

From The Wall Street Journal

There has been some concern about allied forces running low on interceptors that shoot Iranian missiles and drones from the sky.

From Barron's