intercept

[ˌɪntərˈsɛpt]

intercept Definition

• 1. to stop something from reaching its intended destination
• 2. to catch or seize something that is moving
• 3. to listen secretly to someone's telephone conversations or read their messages

Using intercept: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "intercept" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The police intercepted the smugglers at the border.

• Example

  The football player intercepted the pass and ran for a touchdown.

• Example

  The government was accused of intercepting citizens' private communications.

• Example

  The company installed software to intercept spam emails.

intercept Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for intercept

• stop
• catch
• seize
• block
• interrupt

Antonyms for intercept

• release
• allow
• let go

Idioms Using intercept

• intercept someone's eye

  to attract someone's attention

  Example

  The bright colors of the flowers intercepted my eye as I walked through the garden.

• intercept the ball

  to catch a ball before it reaches its intended target

  Example

  The defender intercepted the ball and prevented a goal.

• intercept a pass

  to catch a pass intended for a player on the opposing team

  Example

  The basketball player intercepted a pass and made a fast break for a layup.

Phrases with intercept

• intercept course

  a course taken by a ship or aircraft to intercept another vessel or aircraft

  Example

  The fighter jets were on an intercept course with the enemy bombers.

• intercepted message

  a message that has been intercepted and read by someone who was not intended to receive it

  Example

  The spy intercepted a message between two enemy commanders.

• intercepted pass

  a pass in sports that is caught by a player on the opposing team

  Example

  The quarterback threw an intercepted pass, resulting in a turnover.

Origins of intercept

from Latin 'interceptus', past participle of 'intercipere', meaning 'to take away'

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Summary: intercept in Brief

The verb 'intercept' [ˌɪntərˈsɛpt] means to stop or catch something that is moving, or to listen secretly to someone's communication. Examples include 'The police intercepted the smugglers at the border,' and 'The company installed software to intercept spam emails.' 'Intercept' extends into phrases like 'intercept course,' and idioms like 'intercept someone's eye,' denoting attraction of attention, and 'intercept the ball,' implying catching before reaching the target.