intercept
9 synonyms and 1 antonym for intercept, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To stop or catch something before it reaches its destination.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use intercept
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
intercept a message
intercept the ball
intercept a shipment
Etymology
From Latin interceptum, past participle of intercipere, "to take between" (inter-, "between" + capere, "to take, seize").
Full origin of intercept →Frequently asked questions
What does “intercept” mean?
The word “intercept” means to stop or catch something before it reaches its destination. In plain terms, to stop something mid-way, before it gets where it was headed.
How do you pronounce “intercept”?
“Intercept” is pronounced ihn-tuh-SEHPT (/ɪntɚˈsɛpt/ in IPA).
How do you use “intercept” in a sentence?
Here is “intercept” used in a sentence: “The goalkeeper intercepted the pass before it reached the striker.”
What part of speech is “intercept”?
“Intercept” is a verb.
Where does the word “intercept” come from?
The word “intercept” comes from Latin. From Latin interceptum, past participle of intercipere, "to take between" (inter-, "between" + capere, "to take, seize").
Is “intercept” a common word?
“Intercept” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between intercept and interrupt?
Intercept means to stop or catch something before it reaches its destination, such as intercepting a message or a pass in sports. Interrupt means to break in on an action or on someone speaking, which does not necessarily involve catching or redirecting something in transit.
How is intercept used in sports?
In sports like American football, an intercept, or interception, occurs when a defender catches a pass intended for the opposing team, stopping it from reaching its intended receiver. The general meaning of stopping something before it arrives applies directly to this sporting sense.
What kinds of things can be intercepted besides physical objects?
Beyond physical objects like balls or letters, intercept is commonly used for communications, such as intercepting a phone call, email, or radio signal, meaning the message is captured before reaching its intended recipient. The word applies to anything traveling toward a destination that gets stopped along the way.
