How to say "intercept" in Japanese

• 迎撃げいげきCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbIntercepting an incoming attack or enemy force — missiles, aircraft, advancing troops. A noun (or suru verb) with a military flavor: meeting an attack head-on, close to 'counter-attack', not blocking light or a view.
  このまま障壁しょうへきを張はっていても死しぬのを待まつだけだ！だから俺おれたちは障壁しょうへきの外そとに出でて、敵てきを迎撃げいげきする、いいな！？↗

  To keep holding the barrier up is just to wait for death! So we're going to go out past the wall and counter attack the enemy, you ready!?
• 遮るさえぎるJLPT N1approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbIts core meaning is blocking or obstructing — light, wind, a view, someone's way — so it fits 'intercept' only when this means cutting something off in its path, not intercepting missiles or messages.
  この大木たいぼくで光ひかりがすっかりさえぎられている。↗

  The light is completely blocked out by the big tree.
• 迎え撃つむかえうつCommon
  godan verb, transitive verbThe verb for meeting an approaching enemy and attacking — 'intercept' as engaging an oncoming force in battle. Because it centers on confronting an enemy, it does not fit neutral senses like intercepting a message.

For intercepting an approaching enemy or attack, use 迎撃 (noun) or 「迎え撃つ」 (verb); 「遮る」 is really about blocking — light, wind, a view, someone's way — and fits 'intercept' only in that physical obstructing sense.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 迎撃げいげきintercept
• 遮るさえぎるto interrupt
• 迎え撃つむかえうつto meet (the enemy) and attack
• パスカットintercept
• せき止めるせきとめるto dam up
• 切片せっぺんintercept