intercept

Noun · Verb

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

the point at which a line intersects a coordinate axis

Verb (2)

seize on its way“The fighter plane was ordered to intercept an aircraft that had entered the country's airspace”Synonyms: stop
tap a telephone or telegraph wire to get information“The FBI was tapping the phone line of the suspected spy”“Is this hotel room bugged?”Synonyms: wiretap tap bug

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Intercept \In`ter*cept"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Intercepted; p. pr. & vb. n. Intercepting.] [L. interceptus, p. p. of intercipere to intercept; inter between + capere to take, seize: cf. F. intercepter. See Capable.] [1913 Webster]

1.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. [1913 Webster]

God will shortly intercept your breath.— Joye.[1913 Webster]

2.To obstruct or interrupt the progress of; to stop; to hinder or oppose; as, to intercept the current of a river. [1913 Webster]

Who intercepts me in my expedition?— Shak.[1913 Webster]

We must meet first, and intercept his course.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]

3.To interrupt communication with, or progress toward; to cut off, as the destination; to blockade. [1913 Webster]

While storms vindictive intercept the shore.— Pope.[1913 Webster]

4.(Math.) To include between; as, that part of the line which is intercepted between the points A and B.

5.To overhear or view (a communication or message intended for another), without hindering its passage; as, to intercept a telephone call. [PJC]

6.(Sports) To catch and take possession of (a ball passed between members of an opposing team); as, the back intercepted the pass and ran the ball back for a touchdown. [PJC]

Syn: To cut off; stop; catch; seize; obstruct. [1913 Webster]

Intercept \In"ter*cept`\, n. (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. [1913 Webster]