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

Recent months have seen an expansion of Russian missile attacks all across Ukraine, as officials in Kyiv warn that Ukrainian stocks of anti-missile interceptor munitions are dangerously low and, in some cases, exhausted. — David Brennan, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

But in recent weeks, Moscow has repeatedly exploited Kyiv’s near-zero stocks of Patriot interceptor missiles, which are needed to defend against faster-moving ballistic missiles. — Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Analysts estimate the conflict has consumed more than 40% of the Pentagon’s THAAD interceptor inventory. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Nineteen other countries buy and operate the system, and its interceptors protect cities and military bases across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 19 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