intercept

To stop a telephone call directed to an improper, disconnected, or restricted telephone number, and to redirect that call to an operator or a recording. 2. To gain possession of communications intended for others without their consent, and, ordinarily, without delaying or preventing the transmission. Note: An intercept may be an authorized or unauthorized action. 3. The acquisition of a transmitted signal with the intent of delaying or eliminating receipt of that signal by the intended destination user. 4. A call disposition category for a call attempt to a non-operating number. [T1.209-1998]