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

Our mission is to provide a highly effective and reliable interceptor capability to protect our warfighters and assets from existing and emerging aerial threats. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026

The nation's limited stockpiles of expensive weapon systems, including advanced missile interceptors, have become a lightning rod during the Iran war. —CBS News, 14 May 2026

The two interceptors will help stop hundreds of tons of plastic from reaching the ocean each year, Richardson said. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 14 May 2026

Iran’s drone barrages heavily depleted its expensive interceptor missile stockpiles. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 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