interlock

1 of 2

verb

in·​ter·​lock ˌin-tər-ˈläk How to pronounce interlock (audio)
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 How to pronounce interlock (audio)
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
Opt for sustainable materials like gabions (cages filled with rocks) or interlocking permeable blocks to hold back soil while allowing water to seep through. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024 Textured Puff-Sleeve Sweatshirt Exaggerated puff shoulders and a textured, interlocking herringbone design give this sweatshirt a dramatic look. Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024
Noun
This plan to reduce that centers on ignition interlocks. Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2024 To get there, marketing teams will need to proactively identify stakeholders, define process interlocks, formalize responsibilities, and measure success across six B2C marketing ops disciplines. Forrester, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for interlock 

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1632, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of interlock was in 1632

Dictionary Entries Near interlock

Cite this Entry

“Interlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interlock. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

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 How to pronounce interlock (audio)
: to be or become mutually connected
also : to be consistent in regard to major elements
confessions that interlock

More from Merriam-Webster on interlock

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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