Origin: Latin
prefix inter-
Intercept has 5 different meanings across 2 categories:
Noun
· Verb
Noun
1
the point at which a line intersects a coordinate axis
"The graph shows that the intercept occurs where the curve crosses the x-axis."
2
An interception of a radio broadcast or a telephone call.
"The secret service managed to intercept his private phone calls before he could reveal any classified information."
Verb
1
seize on its way
"The fighter plane was ordered to intercept an aircraft that had entered the country's airspace"
2
tap a telephone or telegraph wire to get information
"The FBI was tapping the phone line of the suspected spy"
"Is this hotel room bugged?"
3
To stop, deflect or divert (something in progress or motion).
"The security guard managed to intercept the runaway cart before it could roll into the playground."
Example Sentences
"The fighter plane was ordered to intercept an aircraft that had entered the country's airspace"
verb
"The FBI was tapping the phone line of the suspected spy"
verb
"Is this hotel room bugged?"
verb
Related Terms
Broader Terms (hypernyms)
Narrower Terms (hyponyms)