intercept Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun the point at which a line intersects a coordinate axis
verb seize on its way
stop.
- The fighter plane was ordered to intercept an aircraft that had entered the country's airspace
verb tap a telephone or telegraph wire to get information
wiretap; tap; bug.
- The FBI was tapping the phone line of the suspected spy
- Is this hotel room bugged?

L. interceptus, p. p. of intercipere to intercept; inter between + capere to take, seize: cf. F. intercepter. See Capable.

imperfect & past participle Intercepted; present participle & verbal noun Intercepting

To take or seize by the way, or before arrival at the destined place; to cause to stop on the passage; as, to intercept a letter; a telegram will intercept him at Paris.
God will shortly intercept your breath. Joye.
To obstruct or interrupt the progress of; to stop; to hinder or oppose; as, to intercept the current of a river.
Who intercepts me in my expedition? Shak.

We must meet first, and intercept his course. Dryden.
To interrupt communication with, or progress toward; to cut off, as the destination; to blockade.
While storms vindictive intercept the shore. Pope.
(Math.) To include between; as, that part of the ine which is intercepted between the points A and B. Syn. -- To cut off; stop; catch; seize; obstruct.

(Math.) A part cut off or intercepted, as a portion of a line included between two points, or cut off two straight lines or curves.