intercept - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
intercept Word Meanings
- to stop something before it reaches its destination
- to catch or seize something in the process of moving
- to interrupt the progress of something
intercept Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
intercept Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɪntəsɛpt/
US
/ˈɪntərsɛpt/
intercept Word Etymology
Inter- means 'between', and cept means 'to seize' or 'to take'. It originated from Latin intercipere via Old French into English. Imagine a player intercepting a football, reaching between two opposing players to snatch it away.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Intercept is a versatile verb used when something is stopped, caught, or diverted before it reaches a destination. In sports, players intercept passes by reaching between opponents to take the ball. In security or intelligence, professionals intercept communications or shipments to prevent harm or to gather information. In everyday speech, you might say a roadblock intercepted traffic, or a mistake was intercepted by a warning flag. The nuance is deliberate action to halt progress, rather than merely to pause or break off. Intercept often implies coordination, timing, and a clear objective, unlike 'interrupt' which refers to breaking a sequence of events from the outside.
Usage Reminders
- Intercept describes catching or stopping something in transit, not just causing a pause.
- Use with objects in motion: a pass, a shipment, a signal, or a message.
- Do not confuse with interrupt, which stops a process from outside.
- Common forms: intercept a pass, be intercepted, intercepts or intercepting.
- In sports and security contexts you often hear it used with be/has been intercepted.
Common Misconceptions
- Inter intercept and interrupt are the same in meaning.
- You can only intercept physical objects, not messages or signals.
- Intercept always means arrest or capture; not applicable to sports.
- Being intercepted implies blame or fault on the interceptor.
- Intercept requires violent or forceful action.
Thinking Differences
Intercept focuses on deliberate action to stop movement in transit; learners often swap it with interrupt, which stops a process from outside. Practice with passes, signals, and messages to cement the distinction.
Learning Tips
- Learn core collocations: intercept a pass, intercept a message, intercept a shipment.
- Keep straight the difference between intercept and interrupt.
- Practice passive form: be intercepted, was intercepting.
- Use in sports and security contexts to build versatility.
- Listen for prepositions: intercept on the way, intercept between.
- Create short practice sentences to cement usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'intercept'?
A.To throw something forcefully
B.To stop or catch something in its path
C.To build a tall structure
D.To study stars and planets
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'intercept' used correctly?
A.He intercepted the painting and hung it on the wall.
B.She intercepted the ball and scored a goal.
C.They intercepted the cake and frosted it.
D.I intercepted the book and read a chapter.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'intercept'?
A.Reveal
B.Release
C.Receive
D.Refuse
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'intercept'?
A.Continue
B.Advance
C.Proceed
D.Retreat
Step 5: Mastery
In a football game, how can a defender intercept a pass?
A.By kicking the ball out of bounds
B.By catching the pass intended for the opponent
C.By giving the ball to the opponent
D.By cheering for the opponent
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