ENGLISH
REFERENCE

intercept

v. · n.
US //ˌɪnɝˈsɛpt// in·ter·cept
  1. 1 to stop something in transit (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to stop or catch someone or something that is going from one place to another.

    to prevent someone or something from continuing to a destination by stopping or catching them in transit.

    Example

    The police managed to intercept the car before it reached the border.

    Example

    Intelligence agencies worked around the clock to intercept the encrypted message before it could be delivered to the sleeper cell.

    Usage

    Transitive verb taking a direct object.
  2. 2 to catch a pass (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    to catch a ball that was intended for a player on the other team.

    to gain possession of a ball or puck by catching it during a pass intended for an opponent.

    Example

    The defender ran forward to intercept the pass and started a fast break.

    Example

    The cornerback read the quarterback's eyes perfectly, allowing him to intercept the ball at the goal line and return it for a touchdown.

    Usage

    Commonly used in American football, rugby, and basketball.
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  1. 3 a recorded message or call (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    the act of listening to or recording a private phone call or radio message.

    the act or instance of capturing a transmitted signal, such as a telephone call or radio broadcast, for surveillance purposes.

    Example

    The evidence against the gang came from a phone intercept.

    Example

    The legal team argued that the radio intercept was obtained without a proper warrant and should be excluded from the trial.

    Usage

    Often used in the context of law enforcement or espionage.
  2. 4 graph intersection (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Technical Math

    the point where a line crosses the x-axis or y-axis on a graph.

    the coordinate of a point at which a line or curve intersects a coordinate axis.

    Example

    To find the y-intercept, you must set the value of x to zero.

    Example

    The linear equation was easily graphed once the students identified the vertical intercept and the slope of the line.

    Usage

    Usually specified as the 'x-intercept' or 'y-intercept'.
Origin

Borrowed from Latin interceptum, past participle of intercipiō.

Word family

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