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Intercepting: meaning, definitions and examples

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intercepting

 

[ ˌɪntərˈsɛptɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

communication

To intercept means to stop or catch someone or something before they are able to reach a particular place.

Synonyms

block, seize, stop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intercepting

Used when something is caught or interrupted in the middle of its course, often in a strategic or tactical situation.

  • The police were intercepting the suspect's phone calls
  • The football player was skilled at intercepting passes
block

Used when preventing movement or progress, often by physically obstructing the way.

  • The protesters managed to block the road
  • She used her shoulder to block the oncoming players
stop

Used when bringing something to a halt, in a general sense.

  • He reached out to stop the door from closing
  • They managed to stop the bleeding
seize

Used when taking hold of something quickly and forcefully, often implying authority or aggression. This term can have a negative connotation.

  • The authorities decided to seize the illegal goods
  • He tried to seize control of the situation

Examples of usage

  • He was intercepted by security at the entrance.
  • The police intercepted the package before it reached its destination.
Context #2 | Verb

technology

In technology, intercepting refers to secretly listening to or recording communications, such as phone calls or emails.

Synonyms

eavesdrop, monitor, spy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intercepting

Used when stopping or catching something in transit, such as a message, signal, or communication, often to prevent it from reaching its intended destination.

  • The security team focused on intercepting any suspicious packages at the border.
  • The satellite is capable of intercepting communications from space.
eavesdrop

Used when secretly listening to private conversations, typically with the intention of gaining information. It has a negative connotation and implies snooping.

  • She was caught eavesdropping on their confidential meeting.
  • He tried to eavesdrop on their conversation by hiding behind the door.
monitor

Used for observing, checking, or keeping track of something over a period of time, often in an official or deliberate manner. It has a neutral or professional tone.

  • We need to monitor the patient's vital signs closely.
  • The software is designed to monitor network traffic for any anomalies.
spy

Used when secretly watching or gathering information about someone, typically for political or military purposes. It often involves covert operations and has a negative or secretive connotation.

  • The government suspected him of being a spy for a foreign country.
  • She was accused of trying to spy on the company's new product designs.

Examples of usage

  • The government was accused of intercepting private phone conversations.
  • Hackers can intercept sensitive information transmitted over the internet.

Translations

Translations of the word "intercepting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 interceptando

🇮🇳 अवरोधन

🇩🇪 abfangen

🇮🇩 mencegat

🇺🇦 перехоплення

🇵🇱 przechwytywanie

🇯🇵 迎撃

🇫🇷 interception

🇪🇸 interceptación

🇹🇷 önleme

🇰🇷 가로채기

🇸🇦 اعتراض

🇨🇿 zachycení

🇸🇰 zachytávanie

🇨🇳 拦截

🇸🇮 prestrezanje

🇮🇸 upptaka

🇰🇿 ұстау

🇬🇪 დაჭერა

🇦🇿 tutma

🇲🇽 interceptación

Etymology

The word 'intercepting' originates from the Latin word 'interceptus', which means 'to take or seize between'. The concept of intercepting has been present throughout history, from military interception of enemy communications to modern technological interception of data. The term has evolved to encompass a range of meanings related to stopping, catching, or secretly obtaining information before it reaches its intended destination.

See also: intercept, interception, interceptor.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,340, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.