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intercept

intercept


in·ter·cept    Audio Help   (ĭn'tər-sěpt')   

tr.v.   in·ter·cept·ed, in·ter·cept·ing, in·ter·cepts

  1. To stop, deflect, or interrupt the progress or intended course of: intercepted me with a message as I was leaving.

  2. Sports

    1. To gain possession of (an opponent's pass), as in football or basketball.

    2. To gain possession of a pass made by (an opponent), especially in football.

  3. Mathematics To include or bound (a part of a space or curve) between two points or lines.

  4. Archaic To prevent.

  5. Obsolete To cut off from access or communication.

n.   (ĭn'tər-sěpt')

  1. Mathematics The coordinate of a point at which a line, curve, or surface intersects a coordinate axis.

    1. The interception of a missile by another missile or an aircraft by another aircraft.

    2. Interception of a radio transmission.

  3. An interceptor.


[Middle English intercepten, from Latin intercipere, intercept- : inter-, inter- + capere, to seize; see kap- in Indo-European roots.]
in'ter·cep'tive adj.
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
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