Interdictor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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interdictor

[ɪnˈtɜr.dɪk.tər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

military term

An interdictor is a person, vehicle, or device that prevents or hinders someone or something from taking action or progressing. In military terms, an interdictor typically refers to an aircraft or platform designed to intercept and destroy enemy supply lines or reinforcements before they can reach their destination. This can involve air operations aimed at damaging transport systems or targeting enemy units in transit. The role of an interdictor is crucial in shaping the battlefield and ensuring operational success.

Synonyms

interceptor, obstructor, preventer.

Examples of usage

  • The interdictor successfully cut off the enemy's supply routes.
  • Military strategists often deploy an interdictor to weaken enemy capabilities.
  • The airforce utilized the interdictor to intercept incoming threats.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Military History

  • Interdictor aircraft are specifically designed to prevent enemy supplies or reinforcements from reaching the battlefront.
  • The US military has employed interdictor tactics since World War II to disrupt enemy operations.

Legal Context

  • In law, an interdict can refer to a judicial order that prohibits someone from doing something.
  • Laws in various countries allow for interdicts to protect the public from harmful practices or substances.

Pop Culture

  • Interdictor-class ships are featured in popular sci-fi franchises, often portrayed as powerful vessels that prevent illegal activities in space.
  • Video games sometimes include 'interdictors' as characters or units that can halt enemy progress.

Science and Technology

  • In technology, interdictors can refer to systems that block certain online content or access to specific data.
  • They are also used in cybersecurity to prevent unauthorized access to networks and protect sensitive information.

Origin of 'interdictor'

Main points about word origin

  • The term derives from the Latin word 'interdictus,' meaning 'forbidden' or 'prohibited.'
  • It combines 'inter-' which means 'between' and 'dicere,' meaning 'to say,' highlighting the idea of declaring something off-limits.

The term 'interdictor' derives from the Latin word 'interdicere', meaning 'to forbid' or 'to prohibit'. It was historically used within the context of ecclesiastical law and governmental edicts, where an 'interdict' was a formal prohibition against certain actions or events, such as the celebration of mass in a specific area. Over time, the term evolved, particularly in military parlance, to denote entities that actively intervene to disrupt enemy operations. The adaptation of the word into military context reflects a broader application of the concept of prohibition, where the act of interdicting is not merely about forbidding but includes action taken to prevent advancement or success of opposing forces.