interlock

[verb in-ter-lok, in-ter-lok; noun in-ter-lok]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR interlock ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used without object)

to fit into each other, as parts of machinery, so that all action is synchronized.

to interweave or interlace, one with another: The branches of the trees interlock to form a natural archway.

Railroads. (of switches, signals, etc.) to operate together in a prearranged order.

verb (used with object)

to lock one with another.

to fit (parts) together to ensure coordinated action.

Railroads. to arrange (switches, signals, etc.) to effect a predetermined sequence of movement.

noun

the fact or condition of interlocking or of being interlocked.

the existence or an instance of an interlocking directorate.

a device for preventing a mechanism from being set in motion when another mechanism is in such a position that the two operating simultaneously might produce undesirable results.

Also called ignition interlock. a device or system that prevents an automotive engine from starting until the seat belt for any occupied front seat is fastened.

a stretch fabric made with a circular knitting machine having two alternating sets of long and short needles.

Movies. a device for synchronizing the action of a camera and sound recorder.

Nearby words

Origin of interlock

First recorded in 1625–35; inter- + lock¹

Related formsin·ter·lock·er, nounun·in·ter·locked, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for interlock

They in turn, as they grow, interlock their boughs, and repeat in a season or two the same process of mutual suffocation.
A Half Century of Conflict - Volume I|Francis Parkman
On the edges of the barbs are set the barbules, which interlock with those of adjacent barbs, and thus give strength to the vane.
The New Gresham Encyclopedia|Various
Shiny though the tiles may be, one cannot but admire the neat way in which they interlock.
The Foundations of Japan|J.W. Robertson Scott
The bones of the carpus are serially arranged and do not interlock.
The Cambridge Natural History, Vol X., Mammalia|Frank Evers Beddard

Suddenly they close, the blades cross, interlock, and break away.
Secrets of the Sword|Csar Lecat de Bazancourt

British Dictionary definitions for interlock

interlock

verb (ˌɪntəˈlɒk)

to join or be joined firmly, as by a mutual interconnection of parts

noun (ˈɪntəˌlɒk)

the act of interlocking or the state of being interlocked

a device, esp one operated electromechanically, used in a logic circuit or electrical safety system to prevent an activity being initiated unless preceded by certain events

a closely knitted fabric

adjective (ˈɪntəˌlɒk)

(of fabric) closely knitted

Derived Formsinterlocker, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for interlock

interlock

1630s, from inter- + lock. Related: Interlocked; interlocking. As a noun, attested by 1874.

interlock

verb (used without object)

verb (used with object)

noun

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Nearby words

Origin of interlock

Examples from the Web for interlock

interlock

verb (ˌɪntəˈlɒk)

noun (ˈɪntəˌlɒk)

adjective (ˈɪntəˌlɒk)

interlock