ab|fangen
Translation
to intercept, to catch, to block, to absorb
Examples
Die Polizei konnte den Brief abfangen.
The police were able to intercept the letter.
Der Torwart fing den Ball geschickt ab.
The goalkeeper skillfully caught the ball.
Die Stoßdämpfer fangen die Stöße ab.
The shock absorbers absorb the impacts.
Grammar Patterns
((sth./sb.)) to intercept sth./sb. The police were able to intercept the spy.
Similar Words
auffangen (to catch, collect), aufhalten (to stop); Antonyms: durchlassen (to let through)
Etymology
From the prefix 'ab-' (away, off) and 'fangen' (to catch). It literally means 'to catch away' from its intended path.
Memory Tips
Imagine a fighter jet intercepting ('abfangen') an enemy bomber, catching it ('fangen') and turning it away ('ab-').