interceptor

noun

in·​ter·​cep·​tor ˌin-tər-ˈsep-tər 

variants or less commonly intercepter

: one that intercepts

specifically : a light high-speed fast-climbing fighter plane or missile designed for defense against raiding bombers or missiles

Examples of interceptor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With or without Washington, European powers will need to surge financing, procurement, and production of Ukraine’s most urgent resupply needs: ammunition and air defense interceptors. —Celeste A. Wallander, Foreign Affairs, 17 Mar. 2025

Ukraine's allies have struggled to provide enough Patriot systems, and the interceptor missiles fired at incoming targets, and wrestled with providing other air defense options. —David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025

These interceptors might also be useful in countering enemy satellites during conflict. —Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025

How many air defense interceptors can be fired today, without running short tomorrow? —Benjamin Jensen, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for interceptor

• baroreceptor
• chemoreceptor
• acceptor
• preceptor
• receptor
• adrenoceptor
• photoreceptor
• scepter
• sceptre

Kids Definition

interceptor

noun

in·​ter·​cep·​tor ˌint-ər-ˈsep-tər 

: one that intercepts

especially : a fast fighter plane designed for defense against bombers