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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Intercept Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：stop in mid-course (intercept)

intercept 🔊

/ˌɪntərˈsept/

To stop something moving from reaching its intended place or person.

Intercept illustrated by a football player catching a pass in mid-air.

stop in mid-course 🔊

➕

/stɒp ɪn mɪd kɔːrs/

To prevent something that is moving from reaching its destination by catching or blocking it during its journey.

📁 Category：Entertainment & Sports 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'intercipere': 'inter-' (between) + 'capere' (to take), meaning to seize between.

💡 Mnemonic

INTERcept: INTERrupt and captURE something on its way.

📖 Example

The defender managed to intercept the ball just before it reached the striker for a goal. 🔊 The defender caught the ball before it could reach the striker, preventing a goal.

🔗 Collocations

intercept a pass – to stop a pass in sports

intercept a missile – to stop a missile in flight

intercept a delivery – to stop a delivery en route

🔄 Synonyms

block (v.) – to obstruct movement

catch (v.) – to seize something in motion

stop (v.) – to prevent from continuing

🚫 Antonyms

allow (v.) – to permit something to proceed

release (v.) – to let go or set free

forward (v.) – to send something onward

🌱 Derivatives

interception (n.) – the act of intercepting

interceptor (n.) – a person or thing that intercepts

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'intercipere' ('inter-' between + 'capere' to take). Initially used for seizing goods or messages en route. Now common in sports (ball interception) and cybersecurity (data interception).

Meaning 2：secretly obtain information (intercept)

intercept 🔊

/ˌɪntərˈsept/

To secretly access and obtain information before it reaches the intended recipient.

Intercept concept showing data or an email being covertly stopped and obtained.

secretly obtain information 🔊

➕

/ˈsiːkrətli əbˈteɪn ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃən/

To gain access to information covertly before it reaches its intended recipient, often for surveillance or security purposes.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The security software helps to intercept spam emails before they clutter your inbox. 🔊 The security program stops spam emails from entering your inbox by capturing them during transfer.

🔗 Collocations

intercept emails – to stop emails before delivery

intercept data – to capture data during transmission

intercept signals – to secretly receive communication signals

🔄 Synonyms

monitor (v.) – to observe and check information

tap (v.) – to secretly listen to or record communication

eavesdrop (v.) – to listen secretly to private conversation

🚫 Antonyms

transmit (v.) – to send information

deliver (v.) – to bring something to its recipient

forward (v.) – to pass information along

🌱 Derivatives

interception (n.) – the act of intercepting

interceptor (n.) – a person or thing that intercepts