noun

interception

in-ter-SEP-shun/ˌɪntərˈsepʃn/

The act of stopping or capturing something before it reaches its destination.

The defender's interception stops the pass from reaching the other player.

A basketball defender catches an airborne pass between two opposing players, clear interception.

Etymology

interLatinbetween

+ceptLatinto take, catch

+ionLatinact or process

“Taking between” expresses catching something as it passes. The action noun names that interruption of its course: stopping or seizing it before it reaches its destination.

In context

WSCS Sheboygan18:01

tried to make a good play but that was completely under thrown in an easy interception so south is going to take over

Football 10012010

More examples

Two interceptions help the defense win the game.
Encryption protects private messages against interception during transmission.
The interception of the shipment keeps stolen goods from reaching buyers.

Forms

interception · interceptions

intercept verb — To stop or capture something before arrival.

interceptor noun — Someone or something that stops things in transit.

Similar words

capture: Emphasizes taking control, not necessarily stopping something in transit.
blocking: Emphasizes preventing passage rather than catching or taking control.