# interceptor

/ˌɪnɝˈsɛptɝ/ (US) · /ˌɪntəsˈɛptɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/interceptor
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a device or person that stops something from reaching its destination. In computing, it is a program that watches over other programs to catch errors or control data.

For teachers: a device, program, or person designed to intercept and potentially block or modify data or objects in transit. In a technical context, it refers to a software component that monitors and controls the flow of information between different parts of a system.

## Examples

- The firewall acts as a network interceptor to block harmful traffic.
- The software interceptor logs every request made by the application to help developers identify performance bottlenecks.
- In distributed systems, a message interceptor allows for the injection of cross-cutting concerns such as logging or security checks without modifying the core business logic of the application.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.