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- ( see intercept) + -tor -tor ( def. )

Example Sentences

Indeed, Lockheed Martin, the U.S. defense giant that makes missiles for the Patriot air-defense system, produces only about 620 interceptor missiles a year despite huge demand triggered by the wars involving Russia and Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

A Patriot PAC-3 interceptor costs approximately $4 million per shot.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Under the pressure of relentless attacks, Ukraine has already developed around 50 different interceptor models, an industry that barely existed a year ago.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Israel and Gulf states may be running low on interceptor missiles, according to Cembalest.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Piper put her new sword to good use, while spraying food from the cornucopia in her other hand—using hams, chickens, apples, and oranges as interceptor missiles.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan