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
And there continues to be insufficient annual production of interceptor missiles globally relative to the offensive arsenals they may be pitted against.
—
Sebastien Roblin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Air defenses can be overwhelmed by sheer numbers of incoming threats if there are more targets to intercept than interceptor missiles in launchers.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
The Pentagon has also sent more missile defense assets into the Middle East since Israel began its largest ever conflict with Iran last week, causing worries about the U.S. too quickly using up its own interceptors, according to the Journal.
—Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 18 June 2025
For example, Japan agreed in late 2023 to manufacture — under license — and export Patriot interceptor missiles to the U.S., whose stockpiles were depleted after supplying these missiles to Ukraine.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 17 June 2025
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Sebastien Roblin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Air defenses can be overwhelmed by sheer numbers of incoming threats if there are more targets to intercept than interceptor missiles in launchers.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
The Pentagon has also sent more missile defense assets into the Middle East since Israel began its largest ever conflict with Iran last week, causing worries about the U.S. too quickly using up its own interceptors, according to the Journal.
—Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 18 June 2025
For example, Japan agreed in late 2023 to manufacture — under license — and export Patriot interceptor missiles to the U.S., whose stockpiles were depleted after supplying these missiles to Ukraine.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for interceptor
Cite this Entry
“Interceptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interceptor. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interceptor
noun
in·ter·cep·tor
ˌint-ər-ˈsep-tər
: one that intercepts
especially
: a fast fighter plane designed for defense against bombers
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