Meaning & use

intercept

verb·Academic

To stop, catch, or seize something or someone before it reaches its intended destination.

See it in a sentence

The defender intercepted the pass and raced down the field toward the goal.

Authorities intercepted the shipment before it could cross the border.

A note on using this word

In mathematics, intercept is also a noun for the point where a line or curve crosses an axis.

Words with a similar meaning

blockseize

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. noun

In mathematics, the point at which a line or curve crosses an axis.

The equation's y-intercept shows where the line crosses the vertical axis.

Make it your own

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