intersect

verb

in·​ter·​sect ˌin-tər-ˈsekt 

intersected; intersecting; intersects

transitive verb

: to pierce or divide by passing through or across : cross

a comet intersecting earth's orbit

one line intersects another

intransitive verb

1

: to meet and cross at a point

lines intersecting at right angles

2

: to share a common area : overlap

where morality and self-interest intersect

Synonyms

• bisect
• cross
• cut

Examples of intersect in a Sentence

A dry stream bed intersects the trail in several places.

Line A intersects with line B.

The two roads intersect at the edge of town.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ted soon finds his loyalties tested when his capable team's personal lives threaten to intersect with their professional ones. —Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 8 Dec. 2024

The struggle for river crossings in the Russia-Ukraine War highlights the challenges of modern conflict, where traditional tactics intersect with advanced technologies. —Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

The other side: Council Member Andrea Jenkins — whose ward intersects with Chavez's at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue — opposed delaying the project and criticized her colleagues for disregarding years of staff work. —Kyle Stokes, Axios, 5 Dec. 2024

In 2022, a New York Times investigation found that from 2019 and 2021, at least 97 members of Congress or their family members bought or sold financial assets that intersected with their congressional work. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin intersectus, past participle of intersecare, from inter- + secare to cut — more at saw

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

intersect

verb

in·​ter·​sect ˌint-ər-ˈsekt 

1

: to divide by passing through or across : cross

one line intersecting another

2

: to meet and cross at one or more points

overlapping circles intersect at two points