Definition

A person or thing that stops or catches something before it reaches its destination, often used to refer to a type of aircraft or missile that is designed to intercept enemy threats.

Example

The interceptor successfully shot down the incoming missile before it could reach the city.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new interceptor jets the military is getting?

Yeah, I read they're supposed to be really fast and agile.

I wonder how they compare to the older models.

They say the new interceptor planes can engage enemy aircraft much quicker.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Interceptor → It is formed from "inter-" (meaning between) and "capere" (meaning to seize or take). The word describes something that seizes or takes something in between, often used in the context of stopping or intercepting an object or message.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'seizes' ('capere') something 'in between' ('inter-') — that's why an interceptor is something that takes or stops something in the middle.

Visually Confused Words