intercept

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Intercepted; p. pr. & vb. n. Intercepting. ] [ L. interceptus, p. p. of intercipere to intercept; inter between + capere to take, seize: cf. F. intercepter. See Capable. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. To take or seize by the way, or before arrival at the destined place; to cause to stop on the passage; as, to intercept a letter; a telegram will intercept him at Paris. [ 1913 Webster ]

God will shortly intercept your breath. Joye. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To obstruct or interrupt the progress of; to stop; to hinder or oppose; as, to intercept the current of a river. [ 1913 Webster ]

Who intercepts me in my expedition? Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

We must meet first, and intercept his course. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To interrupt communication with, or progress toward; to cut off, as the destination; to blockade. [ 1913 Webster ]

While storms vindictive intercept the shore. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Math.) To include between; as, that part of the line which is intercepted between the points A and B.

5. To overhear or view (a communication or message intended for another), without hindering its passage; as, to intercept a telephone call. [ PJC ]

6. (Sports) To catch and take possession of (a ball passed between members of an opposing team); as, the back intercepted the pass and ran the ball back for a touchdown. [ PJC ]

Syn. -- To cut off; stop; catch; seize; obstruct. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who, or that which, intercepts. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Mil.) A high-speed fighter airplane with fast-climbing capability, used to intercept enemy airplanes or identify unknown aircraft and engage them in combat if necessary; also, a missile which intercepts and destroys incoming missiles or airplanes. [ PJC ]

n. [ L. interceptio a taking away: cf. F. interception. ] The act of intercepting; as, interception of a letter; interception of the enemy. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Intercepting or tending to intercept.