Definition of: intercept

(in′tər·sept′) v.t.
1. To seize or stop on the way to a destination; arrest in passage: to intercept a messenger.
2. To stop, interrupt, or prevent: to intercept the flow of water.
3. To cut off from connection, sight, etc.
4. Math. To contain or include between two points of a curve. See synonyms under INTERPOSE, SHUT.
—noun (in′tər·sept)
1. That which is cut off or intercepted.
2. Math. The part of a curve contained between two points of intersection with other curves. [<L interceptus, pp. of intercipere <inter- between +capere seize]
—in′ter·cep′tion noun
—in′ter·cep′tive adjective