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

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Ukrainian companies and military units say Gulf officials have asked for interceptor drones and electronic-warfare equipment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

The British company is developing a missile called Starhammer built for high-speed targets like ballistic missiles, alongside an antidrone and cruise missile interceptor called Skyhammer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 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