interceptor

American  

[in-ter-sep-ter] / ˌɪn tərˈsɛp tər /

Or intercepter

noun

1. a person or thing that intercepts.

2. Military. a fighter aircraft with fast-reaction capabilities, used to identify and, if appropriate, engage other aircraft in combat.

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interceptor British  

/ ˌɪntəˈsɛptə /

noun

1. a person or thing that intercepts

2. a fast highly manoeuvrable fighter aircraft used to intercept enemy aircraft

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Etymology

Origin of interceptor

1590–1600; < Latin, equivalent to intercep- ( intercept ) + -tor -tor ( def. )

Example Sentences

The U.A.E. is in talks with Kyiv about a defense cooperation pact, and it has asked South Korean companies to supply more interceptor missiles, according to people familiar with the request said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Myronenko called the target "absolutely realistic," citing the surge in interceptor production, with tens of thousands now being delivered to the army each month.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Israel and Gulf states may be running low on interceptor missiles, according to Cembalest.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Israel and Gulf states may be running low on interceptor missiles, according to Cembalest.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

To boot, Onofre’s TV antenna was so tall, so elaborate, so pronged, and so replete with squiggling copper and aluminum tubing and boosters, that it looked like a DEW-line radar interceptor in Greenland.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols