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Intercept Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intercept

[หŒษชntษ™(r)หˆsept ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

communication

To obstruct or hinder something from reaching its intended destination.

Synonyms

block, interrupt, obstruct, stop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intercept

Used when someone or something prevents another entity from reaching its destination.

  • The police managed to intercept the stolen vehicle.
  • The quarterback's pass was intercepted by the opposing team.
block

Commonly used when preventing passage through a particular area or stopping an action; can refer to physical or abstract blockages.

  • The road was blocked by fallen trees after the storm.
  • She blocked him on social media.
stop

A general term used for bringing an action, movement, or process to a halt.

  • He stopped running to catch his breath.
  • The police asked the driver to stop the car at the checkpoint.
interrupt

Refers to stopping someone from continuing what they are saying or doing, usually for a short period.

  • Please don't interrupt me while I am speaking.
  • The power outage interrupted the meeting.
obstruct

Often used to describe the act of deliberately preventing progress or creating obstacles; has a negative connotation.

  • The protesters aimed to obstruct the construction of the new factory.
  • Her decision to withhold information was seen as an attempt to obstruct justice.

Examples of usage

  • The police intercepted the package before it could be delivered.
  • The spy intercepted the secret message and decoded it.
Context #2 | Noun

mathematics

The point at which a line intersects or touches a curve or surface.

Synonyms

crossing point, intersection, meeting point.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intercept

This appears to be a repetition of the first entry. The details and examples would be the same as previously noted.

  • The y-intercept of the line is 4.
  • The police managed to intercept the smuggled goods.
intersection

'Intersection' is used in both everyday and mathematical contexts. In everyday language, it refers to the place where two or more roads meet or cross each other. In mathematics, it describes the set of points that two geometric figures have in common.

  • There was an accident at the intersection of 5th Avenue and Main Street.
  • The intersection of sets A and B contains all the elements that are in both sets.
crossing point

'Crossing point' is more commonly used in everyday language to describe a place where two paths or roads cross each other. This term is not frequently used in a mathematical context.

  • The crossing point between the two hiking trails is marked by a sign.
  • The old bridge serves as a crossing point over the river.
meeting point

'Meeting point' is often used in social or organizational contexts to describe a place where people agree to meet. It is usually not used in mathematical contexts.

  • Let's use the coffee shop as our meeting point before the event.
  • The park's entrance was the designated meeting point for the group.

Examples of usage

  • The intercept of the line and the circle was calculated using mathematical equations.
  • The intercept of the two lines determined the solution to the problem.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, intercept can refer to the point where a line (or wave) meets an axis on a graph.
  • In signal processing, interception can help prevent interference and ensure clear communication.
  • Astronomers study the interception of signals from space to gain information about cosmic events.

Sports

  • In football, an interception occurs when a defensive player catches a pass made by the opposing team's quarterback.
  • The skill to intercept varies by sport, requiring quick reflexes and great tact for timing.
  • Basketball players can intercept passes to disrupt the other team's movement and gain possession.

Pop Culture

  • The concept has been featured in many films where characters intercept messages or important items.
  • Video games often involve intercepting items or objectives to win levels or gain points.
  • The term is also popular in surveillance and espionage-themed stories in books and movies.

Technology

  • Cybersecurity uses interception techniques to prevent unauthorized access to data.
  • Network engineers monitor data packets to intercept and manage network traffic effectively.
  • In programming, intercepting functions can help developers debug by capturing output for analysis.

Origin of 'intercept'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin 'interceptus', which means 'seized or taken between'.
  • The prefix 'inter-' means 'between', while 'cept' comes from 'capere', meaning 'to seize'.
  • The word has evolved in English from military contexts to everyday use in sports and technology.

The word 'intercept' originated from the Latin word 'interceptus', which is the past participle of 'intercipere', meaning 'to seize or interrupt'. The term has been used in various fields such as mathematics, communication, and sports. In mathematics, 'intercept' refers to the point where a line intersects a curve or surface. In communication, it is commonly used to describe the act of obstructing or seizing something in transit. Overall, 'intercept' has evolved to encompass the idea of hindering or stopping something from reaching its intended destination.

See also: intercepting, interception, interceptor.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,069, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.