intercept
    n 1: the point at which a line intersects a coordinate axis
    v 1: seize on its way; "The fighter plane was ordered to
         intercept an aircraft that had entered the country's
         airspace" [syn: intercept, stop]
    2: tap a telephone or telegraph wire to get information; "The
       FBI was tapping the phone line of the suspected spy"; "Is
       this hotel room bugged?" [syn: wiretap, tap, intercept,
       bug]

Intercept \In`ter*cept"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Intercepted; p.
   pr. & vb. n. Intercepting.] [L. interceptus, p. p. of
   intercipere to intercept; inter between + capere to take,
   seize: cf. F. intercepter. See Capable.]
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   1. To take or seize by the way, or before arrival at the
      destined place; to cause to stop on the passage; as, to
      intercept a letter; a telegram will intercept him at
      Paris.
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            God will shortly intercept your breath. --Joye.
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   2. To obstruct or interrupt the progress of; to stop; to
      hinder or oppose; as, to intercept the current of a river.
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            Who intercepts me in my expedition?   --Shak.
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            We must meet first, and intercept his course.
                                                  --Dryden.
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   3. To interrupt communication with, or progress toward; to
      cut off, as the destination; to blockade.
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            While storms vindictive intercept the shore. --Pope.
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   4. (Math.) To include between; as, that part of the line
      which is intercepted between the points A and B.

   5. To overhear or view (a communication or message intended
      for another), without hindering its passage; as, to
      intercept a telephone call.
      [PJC]

   6. (Sports) To catch and take possession of (a ball passed
      between members of an opposing team); as, the back
      intercepted the pass and ran the ball back for a
      touchdown.
      [PJC]

   Syn: To cut off; stop; catch; seize; obstruct.
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Intercept \In"ter*cept`\, n. (Math.)
   A part cut off or intercepted, as a portion of a line
   included between two points, or cut off two straight lines or
   curves.
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