'interceptor' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'intercipere,' where 'inter-' meant 'between' and 'capere' (later seen as 'cipere') meant 'to take'.

'interceptor' changed from Late Latin/Medieval Latin 'interceptor' and Old French 'intercepter' (verb) and eventually became the modern English noun 'interceptor'.

Initially, it meant 'one who takes between' (a taker/seizer positioned between), but over time it evolved into its current specialized meanings of 'one or something that stops, seizes, or blocks something en route' (e.g., a device, aircraft, or player that intercepts).