intercept

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "intercept" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation when something or someone blocks, stops, or interrupts another object's path or journey. For example: The police were able to intercept the suspect before they escaped town.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Technology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The latest Chilcot report concludes that while it is feasible to design a legally compliant regime, the use of intercept evidence would not be consistent with previous operational requirements and would incur significant costs and risks for uncertain benefits in terms of increased numbers of successful prosecutions.

The Guardian

Finding himself in behind the German right-back with Islam Slimani to his right in the penalty area, screaming for the ball, El Arab Soudani misplaces his pass, making it easy for Jerome Boateng to intercept and clear.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, the report was about applications to obtain communications data, ie who, when, where and how communications were sent and received, not to intercept communications, which would reveal what was said or written.

The Guardian

Refugee advocates criticised the amount of time that elapsed between spotting the boat and sending vessels to intercept it after the deaths were revealed.

The Guardian

Standing in the Commons last week, William Hague denied he wanted to "trawl the contents of people's phone calls" and said every intercept had to be personally signed by him.

The Guardian - Opinion

When it is time for the NSA to obtain Fisa court approval, the agency does not tell the court whose calls and emails it intends to intercept.

The Guardian - Opinion

He claimed that "to intercept the content of any individual's communications in the UK requires a warrant signed personally by me, the home secretary, or by another secretary of state".

The Guardian - Opinion

The more we develop communications technology, the more they develop technology to intercept it.

The Guardian

The source claimed that even the conventional warrant system has been distorted – whereas police used to ask for a warrant before intercepting a target's communications, they will now ask GCHQ to intercept the target's communications and then use that information to seek a warrant.

The Guardian

Muscular Program to intercept Google and Yahoo traffic, exposed by the Washington Post.

The Guardian

We do accept that government law enforcement agencies may occasionally need to intercept communications in specific circumstances.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intercept" in technical contexts, ensure clarity by specifying what is being intercepted (e.g., "intercept data packets", "intercept a missile").

Common error

Avoid using "intercept" when a simpler term like "stop" or "block" suffices. "Intercept" often implies a strategic or planned action, not a mere accidental obstruction.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "intercept" is a transitive verb. Ludwig's examples show it describes the action of stopping, deflecting, or diverting something in motion or communication. It requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intercept" is a versatile verb with a neutral register, predominantly used in News & Media and Sport contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that "intercept" is correct and usable in written English. It means to stop, deflect, or divert something in progress or motion. Be mindful of the scope of "intercept" and avoid using it when a simpler verb would suffice. It often conveys a strategic action rather than an accidental obstruction. When aiming for clarity in technical writing, remember to specify what is being intercepted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stop

This alternative provides a simpler and more direct way to convey the action of preventing something.

intercepted communication

This alternative is a more specific term usually in the context of espionage or law enforcement.

block

This alternative is a more general term for preventing something from passing or proceeding.

halt

This alternative indicates bringing something to a standstill.

cut off

This alternative suggests abruptly halting something's progress or flow.

seize

This alternative suggests taking control of something, often forcefully or unexpectedly.

divert

This alternative emphasizes changing the course or direction of something.

obstruct

This alternative implies creating an obstacle to hinder or impede progress.

apprehend

This alternative often refers to capturing or arresting someone.

take possession of

This alternative implies gaining control or ownership of something during its transit.

FAQs

How to use "intercept" in a sentence?

You can use "intercept" to describe blocking or stopping something in transit, like "The police managed to "intercept" the package" or "The defender was able to "intercept" the pass".

What can I say instead of "intercept"?

You can use alternatives like "block", "stop", or "seize" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "intercept" or "interception"?

"Intercept" is a verb, describing the act of stopping something. "Interception" is a noun, referring to the act itself or an instance of intercepting something.

What's the difference between "intercept" and "interdict"?

"Intercept" generally means to stop something in transit. "Interdict" usually refers to prohibiting or restricting something, often through legal or official means.