interlock

verb

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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 When cement powder dissolves in water, its molecules begin to form crystals that interlock with each other. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Why Astronauts Are Growing Cement in Space," 12 Sep. 2019 Matthew Lopez’s drama, which won an Olivier Award for Best New Play earlier this year, tells the interlocking story of three generations of gay men. — Eben Shapiro, Time, "The Most Anticipated Plays and Musicals of Fall 2019," 30 Aug. 2019 While the Constitution’s first three articles define the federal government’s three branches, Article 4 dwells on the interlocking relationship between federal, state, territorial, and tribal powers. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "Make the Guarantee Clause Great Again," 17 July 2019 The researchers studied how the cement powder dissolved in the water because this is when those molecular structures shift to create interlocking crystals. — Ashley Strickland, CNN, "Astronauts make concrete in space for the first time," 10 Sep. 2019 Under the program, a temporary modular core unit made up of interlocking wall, roof and floor panels would be built. — Washington Post, "Texas housing program aims to rebuild faster after disaster," 14 June 2019 Kardashian took to Twitter to share the cutest photo with her and Kanye West's firstborn, with the two kissing their thumbs while interlocking their pinky fingers. — Rania Aniftos, Billboard, "Kim Kardashian & Daughter North Share Adorable Pinky Promise to Be 'Besties For Life'," 3 Sep. 2019 Carlsberg is working with German supplier NMP Systems GmbH. Formats, meanwhile, include biodegradable rings, glue, and even Corona’s interlocking cans that can screw into each other. — John Kell, Fortune, "Beermakers Are Experimenting With New—and Sustainable—Six-Pack Designs," 2 Sep. 2019 This one has four interlocking shelves that can hold books, food, clothes, cleaning supplies and much more. — Joni Sweet, USA TODAY, "Get everything on your college packing checklist delivered next day — for free!," 26 Aug. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun An investigation revealed the suspect driver was driving a vehicle without an ignition interlock device, as required per court order. — Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, "Cupertino crime report," 11 Sep. 2019 The Taos News reported that Harris, 30, had a prior DWI conviction in Collin County, Texas, in 2017 and had been ordered to install an ignition interlock device on her vehicle, according to court records. — CBS News, "Country singer Kylie Rae Harris caused "senseless" crash that killed her and teen, sheriff says," 9 Sep. 2019 An investigation revealed the suspect was driving a vehicle without an ignition interlock device, as required per court order. — Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, "Cupertino crime report for the week of Aug. 23," 15 Aug. 2019 An investigation revealed the suspect was driving a vehicle without an ignition interlock device, as required per court order. — Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, "Cupertino crime report for the week of Aug. 23," 15 Aug. 2019 Someone entered a vehicle, removed an interlock device and slammed it on the ground. — Washington Post, "Southern Maryland crime report," 15 Aug. 2019 Records show that an order to remove an external alcohol monitor that tested Moore's perspiration every 30 minutes was removed July 10, along with an ignition interlock device on his vehicle. — Dallas News, "Charges upgraded to murder for suspect in drunken-driving deaths of former Dallas City Council member Davis and her daughter," 19 July 2019 An investigation revealed the suspect was driving a vehicle without an ignition interlock device, as required per court order. — Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, "Cupertino crime report for the week of July 19," 11 July 2019 There are two simple parts to this life-changing hanger: the top piece, which snaps onto the picture frame wire with clamps to lock it in place, and the hanger, which slides onto the bottom wall receiver and interlocks with the top piece. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "Finally, a Picture Hanging Tool That Automatically Levels the Frame," 16 May 2019

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.