intercept

[in-ter-sept, in-ter-sept] / ˌɪn tərˈsɛpt, ˈɪn tərˌsɛpt /

VERB

head off; interrupt

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ambush arrest block catch cut off deflect hijack prevent seize stop take away

STRONG

appropriate check curb hinder interlope interpose obstruct shortstop take

WEAK

cut in head off at pass make off with

Antonyms

STRONGEST

allow encourage free give let go release

STRONG

aid assist help keep permit promote refuse reject

WEAK

abet forward

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Iranian drones they intercept are arrows—cheap, plentiful, made in bulk.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

The Iron Dome is an advanced Israeli air defence system used to intercept and destroy a range of aerial missiles, rockets and drones.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

It has also used drones to intercept other drones, like Merops.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Almost 200 so-called Russian "shadow fleet" vessels have entered UK waters since the prime minister threatened to intercept them nearly seven weeks ago, BBC Verify analysis suggests.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

Any civilization able to intercept Voyager in the depths of interstellar space, its transmitters long dead, would know far more science than we do.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

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