interceptor

noun

in·​ter·​cep·​tor ˌin-tər-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce interceptor (audio)
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
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Central to Qatar’s capability is the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptor, and a 2015 upgrade added hundreds of these missiles and required launcher modifications to support their advanced power and guidance interfaces, significantly enhancing performance against modern threats. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026 European manufacturers produce varying missile interceptors - but not at scale and especially not those capable of countering ballistic and advanced cruise missiles. Tim Lister, CNN Money, 3 May 2026 Meanwhile, there is also the Magura V7 interceptor variant that Ukraine has been exhibiting at export shows and the US is building under license. David Szondy may 02, New Atlas, 2 May 2026 Ukraine is scaling up supplies of interceptor drones to thwart Russian aerial attacks, and its military has introduced a new command within the air force to boost the country’s capabilities, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said in a post on Telegram late Monday. ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interceptor

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interceptor was in 1598

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Cite this Entry

“Interceptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interceptor. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

interceptor

noun
in·​ter·​cep·​tor ˌint-ər-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce interceptor (audio)
: one that intercepts
especially : a fast fighter plane designed for defense against bombers

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