The word 拦截 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a key action to create a unified concept. The first character, 拦 (lán), primarily means "to block" or "to obstruct", picturing the act of creating a barrier. The second character, 截 (jié), means "to cut off" or "to sever", emphasizing the action of interrupting a path or flow. When joined, they reinforce each other to vividly depict the complete action of intercepting, that is, actively blocking and cutting off the progress of something, like a vehicle, a missile, or even information, preventing it from reaching its intended destination.