interceptor
Americannoun
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a person or thing that intercepts.
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Military. a fighter aircraft with fast-reaction capabilities, used to identify and, if appropriate, engage other aircraft in combat.
noun
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a person or thing that intercepts
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a fast highly manoeuvrable fighter aircraft used to intercept enemy aircraft
Etymology
Origin of interceptor
1590–1600; < Latin, equivalent to intercep- ( see intercept) + -tor -tor ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Several European countries were ready to transfer Patriot interceptor missiles from their own stockpiles but were awaiting US approval, he said.
From Barron's ● Oct. 21, 2026
Perennial Autonomy, a U.S.-based defense-technology company founded by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, is testing a jet-powered interceptor drone with a top speed of 1,000 mph, a spokeswoman said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
The country’s defenders have been using F-16’s and other fighter planes, machine-gun turrets and interceptor drones to down Russian drones.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026
The i writes that the project "would link new radar, command systems and interceptor missiles" into a single network.
From BBC ● Oct. 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
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