interception

Catching or stopping something before it reaches the place or person it was going to.

• The interception prevented the message from reaching its destination.
• Police reported the interception of a weapons shipment.
• The system allows interception of radio signals.

How to use it: interception of something (The interception of the shipment delayed the attack.)

Similar words: capture, blocking

Common phrases: interception of something, message interception, missile interception

A catch of a pass by a player on the opposing team.

• His interception saved the game.
• The quarterback threw two interceptions.
• She made an interception and ran toward the goal.

Common phrases: throw an interception, make an interception, interception return

An action in which a military plane approaches another plane to escort it away or attack it.

• The fighters completed an interception.
• Radar guided the pilots during the interception.
• The interception ended when the aircraft left restricted airspace.

Common phrases: aircraft interception, interception mission, fighter interception

Rain or snow caught by plants or forest material before it reaches the soil.

• Dense leaves increase rainfall interception.
• The study measured interception in a pine forest.
• Much of the water lost through interception evaporates from the canopy.

Common phrases: canopy interception, rainfall interception, forest interception