INTERCEPT

intercept

(noun) the point at which a line intersects a coordinate axis

intercept, stop

(verb) seize on its way; “The fighter plane was ordered to intercept an aircraft that had entered the country’s airspace”

wiretap, tap, intercept, bug

(verb) 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?”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Verb

intercept (third-person singular simple present intercepts, present participle intercepting, simple past and past participle intercepted)

(transitive) To stop, deflect or divert (something in progress or motion).

(transitive, sports) To gain possession of (the ball) in a ball game

(transitive, American football) Of a defensive player: to steal a pass thrown by the opposing team, gaining possession of the ball.

(transitive, math) To take or comprehend between.

Noun

intercept (plural intercepts)

An interception of a radio broadcast or a telephone call.

An interception of a missile.

(algebraic geometry) The coordinate of the point at which a curve intersects an axis.

(marketing) A form of market research where consumers are intercepted and interviewed in a retail store or mall.

Source: Wiktionary

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

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. God will shortly intercept your breath. Joye.

2. 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.

3. To interrupt communication with, or progress toward; to cut off, as the destination; to blockade. While storms vindictive intercept the shore. Pope.

4. (Math.)

Definition: To include between; as, that part of the intercepted between the points A and B.

Syn.

– To cut off; stop; catch; seize; obstruct.

In"ter*cept`, n. (Math.)

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

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition