interception

noun

in·​ter·​cep·​tion ˌin-tər-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce interception (audio)
1
a
: the action of intercepting
b
: the state of being intercepted
2
: something that is intercepted
especially : an intercepted forward pass

Examples of interception in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Carson Beck’s nine interceptions have been damaging. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025 Moss has thrown for 1,929 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions, and he was named last week among the 10 finalists for the Johnny United Golden Arm Award, honoring the nation’s top upperclassman college QB. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Nov. 2025 Jackson dropped an easy interception, which spared the Packers what might’ve been a pick-six. Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025 McCarthy’s stat line wasn’t that impressive – 14-for-25 passing for 143 yards, two touchdowns and an interception – but the second-year man from Michigan showed incredible moxie to navigate a tricky away game against the two-time defending division champions. Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for interception

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of interception was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interception. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on interception

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!