intercept
C1Formal, Technical, Military, Sports
Definition
Meaning
to stop, catch, or seize something or someone that is moving from one place to another.
In mathematics, the point where a line or curve crosses an axis; in computing/telecommunications, to secretly access or record communication.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily denotes an active, often strategic, action of interruption. Implies a deliberate attempt to prevent something from reaching its intended destination or completing its path.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. Minor spelling differences may apply in derived forms (e.g., intercepted/intercepting).
Connotations
Both share strong military and sports connotations. Slightly more formal in everyday British English.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties, with high usage in shared technical domains.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
intercept + NPintercept + NP + PP (from/to)be intercepted + PP (by)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To intercept a glance (catch someone looking)”
- “To be on an intercept course (heading directly to stop/meet something)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Intercept sensitive market data before competitors.
Academic
The study aims to intercept the spread of misinformation.
Everyday
She managed to intercept the postman before he left.
Technical
The firewall is configured to intercept malicious packets.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The defender brilliantly intercepted the cross before it reached the striker.
- GCHQ has the capability to intercept encrypted communications.
American English
- The safety intercepted the quarterback's pass and ran it back for a touchdown.
- The agency intercepted a shipment of contraband at the border.
adverb
British English
- The missile was fired interceptingly towards the target. (Rare/Technical)
American English
- The aircraft turned interceptingly to engage the bogey. (Rare/Technical)
adjective
British English
- The intercept vector was calculated by the missile's guidance system.
- They flew an intercept mission over the North Sea.
American English
- The pilot was assigned to an intercept squadron.
- The intercept point was marked on the radar screen.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Can you intercept the ball in this game?
- The cat tried to intercept the mouse.
- The goalkeeper intercepted the pass before the other player could reach it.
- I intercepted an email meant for my colleague by mistake.
- Authorities managed to intercept the drug shipment at the port.
- The new software can intercept spam messages with high accuracy.
- The intelligence agency was accused of unlawfully intercepting private communications.
- Mathematically, the line's y-intercept is the value of y when x equals zero.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CENTRE-half in football INTERrupting a PASS to inTERCEPT the ball. INTER-CEPT = INTERrupt and CAPTure.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS A PATH; TO CONTROL IS TO INTERRUPT THE PATH.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'пересекать' (to cross). 'Intercept' is 'перехватить'.
- In maths, 'y-intercept' is 'точка пересечения с осью Y', not 'пересечение' alone.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'intercept' for a stationary object (e.g., 'He intercepted the book on the table').
- Confusing with 'interact' or 'interfere'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'intercept' used LEAST appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is commonly used for intangible things like communications, data, signals, and glances.
'Intercept' focuses on stopping something *on its path* to prevent it reaching a destination. 'Interrupt' focuses on breaking the continuity of a process, like a conversation or activity.
Yes, especially in mathematics (the intercept of a line) and in military/aviation contexts (a radar intercept).
Using it for stationary objects or confusing it with 'intersect'. You intercept a moving object; lines or roads *intersect* each other.