interlock

1 of 2

verb

in·​ter·​lock ˌin-tər-ˈläk 

interlocked; interlocking; interlocks

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

2 of 2

noun

in·​ter·​lock ˈin-tər-ˌläk 

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

Examples of interlock in a Sentence

Verb

She interlocked her fingers with his.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

In the same way that audiences are trying to unpack the central scheme — or interlocking set of schemes — at the center of Paula’s newfound predicament, so was the Emmy-winning Maslany drawn to the inscrutability of her character. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 24 May 2026

These, as well as interlocking pavers that create spaces between individual units, allow for rainwater to filter through. —Aya Diab, Fortune, 23 May 2026

Noun

Certainly there were luxe, strong visions of the wardrobe on the runway, but with hints of edge melded with signifying codes like the web, the interlock, the GG, the Flora, the bamboo, the bit and the Jackie. —Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 17 May 2026

Holloway, Hartman, the background singers, and the orchestration interlock so heartily that the affirmation searched for at the song’s start arrives. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1632, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interlock

• aftershock
• antiknock
• arawak
• hollyhock
• manioc
• shuttlecock
• tomahawk
• weathercock
• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk

Kids Definition

interlock

verb

in·​ter·​lock

ˌint-ər-ˈläk

: to lock together : interlace firmly

a series of rings interlocking to form a chain

Legal Definition

interlock

intransitive verb

in·​ter·​lock ˌin-tər-ˈläk 

: to be or become mutually connected

also : to be consistent in regard to major elements

confessions that interlock