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.

He said the government had given officers "stronger powers to act earlier and disrupt, intercept and take down the operations of criminal smuggling gangs who bring illegal migrants to our shores".

From BBC • May 26, 2026

The deal with France also included the deployment of drones, two helicopters and a camera system to intercept people smugglers and migrants.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

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

But the Coast Guard’s radio network was still up and running, and it continued to intercept encrypted messages on the airwaves.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

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