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.

AFP journalists in Jerusalem and the West Bank city of Ramallah heard a series of explosions and the Israeli army said it worked to intercept a new wave of Iranian missiles.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

Costel tells me, frustrated like many that Romania's air force couldn't intercept the drone.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

To intercept Hermes, it'll have to reach escape velocity, but it was only designed to get to orbit.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

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