interceptor

noun

in·​ter·​cep·​tor ˌin-tər-ˈsep-tər 

variants or less commonly intercepter

: one that intercepts

specifically : a light high-speed fast-climbing fighter plane or missile designed for defense against raiding bombers or missiles

Examples of interceptor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At the same time, Russian troops continue to slowly advance in eastern Ukraine, while a dwindling supply of missile interceptors has left Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities vulnerable to intense bombardment. — Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 21 July 2026

Drone swarms could expose or distract enemy defenses, forcing them to expend interceptors and reveal their positions. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026

Lockheed Martin on Monday unveiled a new air-defense interceptor that costs less than half as much as its current top-of-the-line munition. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 20 July 2026

Eilat, the Israeli city that neighbors Aqaba, cited security officials as saying two interceptors were launched from its outskirts to prevent the fall of debris. — Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for interceptor

• chemoreceptor
• acceptor
• preceptor
• receptor
• adrenoceptor
• baroreceptor
• photoreceptor
• scepter
• sceptre

Kids Definition

interceptor

noun

in·​ter·​cep·​tor ˌint-ər-ˈsep-tər 

: one that intercepts

especially : a fast fighter plane designed for defense against bombers