transitive verb

1. to seize or stop on the way, before arrival at the intended place; stop or interrupt the course of; cut off to intercept a forward pass
2. Now Rare
   1. to stop, hinder, or prevent
   2. to cut off communication with, sight of, etc.
3. Math. to cut off, mark off, or bound between two points, lines, or planes

Etymology: < L interceptus, pp. of intercipere, to take between, interrupt < inter-, between + capere, to take: see have

noun

1. 1. the act of intercepting
   2. the fact or condition of being intercepted
2. a message intercepted during electronic or radio transmission
3. Math. the part of a line, plane, etc. intercepted
4. Mil. the act of intercepting an enemy force, esp. enemy aircraft