1590s, from Latin interceptor "interceptor, usurper, embezzler," agent noun from intercipere (see intercept (v.)). As a type of fast fighter aircraft, from 1930. Intercepter is attested from c. 1600.
Entries linking to interceptor
intercept v.
c. 1400, "to cut off" (a line), "prevent" (the spread of a disease), from Latin interceptus, past participle of intercipere "take or seize between, to seize in passing," from inter "between" (see inter-) + -cipere, combining form of capere "to take, catch," from PIE root *kap- "to grasp." Related: Intercepted; intercepting.