Main Entry: ¹in·ter·cept

Pronunciation: \ˌin-tər-ˈsept\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin interceptus, past participle of intercipere, from inter- + capere to take, seize — more at heave

Date: 15th century

1 obsolete : prevent, hinder
2 a : to stop, seize, or interrupt in progress or course or before arrival b : to receive (a communication or signal directed elsewhere) usually secretly
3 obsolete : to interrupt communication or connection with
4 : to include (part of a curve, surface, or solid) between two points, curves, or surfaces <the part of a circumference intercepted between two radii>
5 a : to gain possession of (an opponent's pass) b : to intercept a pass thrown by (an opponent)