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

Patriot batteries—the only system that reliably stops ballistic missiles—are running low on interceptors. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Russian ballistic attacks have risen fast in recent weeks, hitting the capital Kyiv particularly hard, as Moscow exploits Ukraine’s near-zero stocks of Patriot interceptor missiles. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026

Its open architecture allows additional sensors and interceptors to connect with existing systems. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026

The permits were for tenant improvements, including the installation of a grease interceptor at the supermarket, which was preparing to reopen under new ownership. — Steve Large, CBS News, 11 Aug. 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