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interlock

verb in·ter·lock \ ˌin-tər-ˈläk \

Definition of interlock

intransitive verb

:to become locked together or interconnected

transitive verb

1 :to lock together :unite

2 :to connect so that the motion or operation of any part is constrained by another

See interlock defined for English-language learners

See interlock defined for kids

Examples of interlock in a Sentence

She interlocked her fingers with his.

Recent Examples of interlock from the Web

Instead, about 30 of them, DeValve included, stood side-by-side with their arms interlocked during the anthem.

— tim rohan, SI.com, "As Anthem Protests Expand, Fans Speak Out Strongly, Pro and Con," 28 Aug. 2017
The bacteria crowd around the root zone, and the fungi form vast networks of interlocking strands that often link one plant to another.

— adrian higgins, idahostatesman, "The zoo beneath our feet: We’re only beginning to understand soil’s hidden world," 23 Aug. 2017
Globalism is a resurrection of the Western democratic confidence of 1913 that a world war could not break out — interlocking business, trade, and economic interests would keep the peace.

— victor davis hanson, National Review, "Is There Still a Conservative Foreign Policy?," 15 Aug. 2017
The city is on the verge of completing the world’s most complex underground map—and therefore the most detailed realistic picture of the interlocking systems that make a city work.

— Bloomberg.com, "Your Evening Briefing," 11 Aug. 2017
The work, which involved renewing the switch in the interlocking immediately adjacent to the station, was expected to tie up service at the station for two weekends, July 15-16 and July 22-23.

— colin campbell, baltimoresun.com, "MARC returning to normal weekend service following Amtrak track repairs," 18 July 2017
Each also bears a frame-within-the frame, a slender rectangular band usually interlocked with another, circular or diamond-shaped.

— leah ollman, latimes.com, "At Blum & Poe, a 'Cosmic Garden' of ghostly beauty," 14 July 2017
The two shorter towers near the lakefront would be angular slabs, with interlocking masses that would create an appealing sense of verticality.

— blair kamin, chicagotribune.com, "Lakeshore East towers would make a skyline splash but at ground level, let the buyer beware," 13 July 2017
Gschwandtner unites the strips in traditional quilt patterns — interlocking triangles and diamonds set within squares, energetic designs that play surface against depth, control against abandon.

— leah ollman, latimes.com, "Her quilts are made of 16-mm film. Here's what they reveal, frame by frame," 30 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'interlock.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of interlock

1632

2

interlock

noun in·ter·lock \ ˈin-tər-ˌläk \

Definition of interlock

1 :the quality, state, sense, or an instance of being interlocked

2 :an arrangement in which the operation of one part or mechanism automatically brings about or prevents the operation of another

a safety interlock

3 a :a stretchable fabric made on a circular knitting machine and consisting of two ribbed fabrics joined by interlocking

b :a garment made of interlock

Recent Examples of interlock from the Web

The driver, who was seen in a purple 1998 Chevy Lumina, had prior OWIs and an ignition interlock device required in the vehicle.

— brittany seemuth, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Menomonee Falls-Germantown police report: Sudden death on Pilgrim Road," 29 Aug. 2017
In cases where alcohol is involved, a defendant must agree to affix his or her car with an alcohol interlock device.

— a.j. perez, USA TODAY, "What requirements will Tiger Woods likely face in diversion program for DUI offenders?," 9 Aug. 2017
He was charged with DUI and violation of an ignition interlock device restriction from an arrest in 2013 while playing at Washington.

— seattle times staff, The Seattle Times, "Ex-Husky Austin Seferian-Jenkins of New York Jets says he had treatment for alcohol abuse," 31 July 2017
Instead of braiding your hair all the way to the ends, interlock your braids with wavy extensions, and secure the hair with a rubber band.

— maya allen, Cosmopolitan, "3 Ridiculously Cool Textured Braids You'll Want to Wear Now," 21 July 2017
Taylor was sentenced to 12 months probation, had his license revoked for nine months and will need to place an ignition interlock device on his car for six months after that.

— dan gartland, SI.com, "Lawrence Taylor pleads guilty to DUI after crashing into police car," 19 June 2017
He also was ordered to have an ignition interlock device on his vehicle, which must be operable at all times.

— ivana hrynkiw, AL.com, "Former astronaut charged with two counts of murder to appear in court Thursday," 1 June 2017
An ignition interlock device, which acts as a breathalyzer, could be ordered by a judge to be installed in the offender’s car.

— kelly puente, The Mercury News, "How this California man got 9 DUIs in less than 6 years," 17 Feb. 2017
An ignition interlock device, which acts as a breathalyzer, could be ordered by a judge to be installed in the offender’s car.

— kelly puente, Orange County Register, "How this Orange County man got 9 DUIs in less than six years," 17 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'interlock.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of interlock

1874

INTERLOCK Defined for English Language Learners

interlock

verb

Definition of interlock for English Language Learners

: to connect or lock (two or more things) together

INTERLOCK Defined for Kids

interlock

verb in·ter·lock \ ˌin-tər-ˈläk \

Definition of interlock for Students

interlocked; interlocking

:to connect or lock together

… she sat bowed, with her dirt-caked fingers idly interlocked in her lap …
—Mark Twain, A Connecticut Yankee

Law Dictionary

interlock

intransitive verb in·ter·lock \ ˌin-tər-ˈläk \

legal Definition of interlock

:to be or become mutually connected; also :to be consistent in regard to major elements

confessions that interlock

Learn More about interlock

See words that rhyme with interlock Spanish Central: Translation of interlock Nglish: Translation of interlock for Spanish speakers

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Examples: interlock in a Sentence