interlock

verb

in·ter·lock | \ ˌin-tər-ˈläk

interlocked; interlocking; interlocks

Definition of interlock

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

interlock

noun

in·ter·lock | \ ˈin-tər-ˌläk

Definition of interlock (Entry 2 of 2)

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

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

b : a garment made of interlock

Examples of interlock in a Sentence

Verb

She interlocked her fingers with his.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The cast sculpture comprises two main pieces, interlocking where the mouth of the lion meets the neck of the dog — the killing moment frozen in time. — New York Times, "Charles Ray, Walking a Fine Line With a Hungry Lion," 13 May 2018 The postal clerk there even hand-cancels every envelope — protecting the expensive stationary — with a postmark featuring interlocking hearts or doves. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "Why Finicky Brides Are Flocking to This Oregon Post Office," 4 June 2015 But the major appeal of the film, for me, was the willingness to honestly insert race and class as interlocking systems of oppression that keep the capitalist machine going. — refinery29.com, "Sorry To Bother You," 10 July 2018 The myriad interlocking crystal embroideries, meanwhile, were said to mirror cobblestones and netted tulle, embroidered with gold, evoked lovers’ padlocks on the Pont des Arts (that were famously banned by Paris authorities). — Thomas Adamson, The Seattle Times, "Chanel recreates Paris for couture show celebrating the city," 3 July 2018 Its tall, three-level facade is clad in charcoal-gray siding interlocked with corrugated steel and natural-cedar siding. — Nancy Keates, WSJ, "A Shoe Executive’s Long-Distance Run to His Oregon Abode," 11 July 2018 The show traces the street's history back to Augustus Woodward, the first judge of the Michigan territory, who arrived in 1805 and devised an interlocking hexagon plan of pathways for downtown Detroit. — Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit's Woodward Ave. chosen as one of 10 streets that changed America," 6 July 2018 If commuters use the service in Richmond, fewer cars will jam the interlocking streets and boulevards that feed the Interstate 80 and 580 freeways, Lewis said. — Rachel Swan, SFChronicle.com, "Soon-to-open Richmond ferry terminal could revive shoreline, usher in gentrification," 5 July 2018 After scoring, both players put their open hands together and interlocked their thumbs to display the double-headed eagle figure that can be found on the national flag of Albania. — SI.com, "'Pure Emotion': Switzerland Star Xherdan Shaqiri Defends Controversial Goal Celebration," 23 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

An ignition interlock analyzes a driver’s breath and prevents a car from being started if alcohol is detected. — Sara Jean Green, The Seattle Times, "State Patrol: Suspect in deadly head-on crash near Arlington convicted of DUI six times," 2 July 2018 If so, the interlock prevents the vehicle from starting. — Fredrick Kunkle, Washington Post, "MADD’s latest report on drunken driving shows we still have a long way to go," 24 Jan. 2018 Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers. — Juno Demelo, Woman's Day, "Everything You Need to Know to Perform CPR in an Emergency," 25 May 2018 Giumarra is also prohibited from drinking alcohol or visiting bars during his sentence, and must enroll in DUI school as well as install interlock ignition devices on his vehicles. — Benjamin Brown, Fox News, "Vineyard heir will likely avoid prison in DUI death of cyclist, mother of five," 5 Apr. 2018 The bill introduced by Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, would allow the interlock ignition manufacturers to make, market and sell Breathalyzers to use in vehicles without a report being generated and sent to the SOS. — Kathleen Gray, Detroit Free Press, "Worried about drunk kids driving? Install an interlock Breathalyzer in family car," 11 Mar. 2018 Heyd's suit says his license was suspended and he was required to undergo three random drug tests and install an interlock device on his vehicle. — Bob Warren, NOLA.com, "Ex-deputy, St. Tammany sheriff sued in DWI arrest case," 30 May 2018 The debut collection features four types of super-soft washed cotton: a lightweight jersey, a mid-weight jersey, a ribbed cotton, and an interlock cotton. — Mekita Rivas, Teen Vogue, "For Days Launches a No-Waste Sustainable T-Shirt Subscription," 30 May 2018 Some of those include strictly enforcing legal drinking age and zero-tolerance policies for minors, using sobriety checkpoints, requiring ignition interlocks for DWI offenders and raising alcohol taxes. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN, "Stricter state alcohol access rules can save 800 DUI deaths a year, study says," 29 May 2018

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.