Intercept
/ˌɪntərˈsɛpt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo stop or interrupt something or someone on their way to a destination.
/ˌɪntərˈsɛpt/
To obstruct someone or something to prevent them from reaching a destination.
The police intercepted the package containing illegal drugs.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to get a letter, but someone grabs it before you! That's like *intercepting* something.
👶 For kids: To stop something from going where it wants to go, like catching a ball before it gets to the person it's thrown to.
More Examples
The spy intercepted the secret message.
The security system intercepted the unauthorized access attempt.
How It's Used
"The cornerback intercepted the pass and ran for a touchdown."
"The radar system intercepted the incoming missile."
"The government was accused of intercepting private emails."
The act of intercepting something or someone.
/ˈɪntərˌsɛpt/
The act of intercepting something.
The interception by the cornerback led to a quick score.
💡 Simply: When someone grabs something before it gets to its destination.
👶 For kids: When you stop something from getting somewhere.
More Examples
The interception of the signal prevented communication.
The security team reported the interception of unauthorized data.
How It's Used
"The team's defense made three interceptions in the game."
"The interception of enemy communications provided valuable intelligence."
Synonyms
From Latin *intercipere* meaning 'to catch between, to seize' derived from *inter* ('between') + *capere* ('to take').
The word gained prominence in the 20th century with the development of radio communications and espionage, describing the act of capturing and decoding messages.
Memory tip
Imagine a defender *intercepting* a pass in a football game.