interlock

[ verb in-ter-lok, in-ter-lok; noun in-ter-lok ]
See synonyms for interlock on Thesaurus.com
verb (used without object)
  1. to fit into each other, as parts of machinery, so that all action is synchronized.

  2. to interweave or interlace, one with another: The branches of the trees interlock to form a natural archway.

  1. Railroads. (of switches, signals, etc.) to operate together in a prearranged order.

verb (used with object)
  1. to lock one with another.

  2. to fit (parts) together to ensure coordinated action.

  1. Railroads. to arrange (switches, signals, etc.) to effect a predetermined sequence of movement.

noun
  1. the fact or condition of interlocking or of being interlocked.

  2. the existence or an instance of an interlocking directorate.

  1. a device for preventing a mechanism from being set in motion when another mechanism is in such a position that the two operating simultaneously might produce undesirable results.

  2. Also called ignition interlock. a device or system that prevents an automotive engine from starting until the seat belt for any occupied front seat is fastened.

  3. a stretch fabric made with a circular knitting machine having two alternating sets of long and short needles.

  4. Movies. a device for synchronizing the action of a camera and sound recorder.

Origin of interlock

1
First recorded in 1625–35; inter- + lock1

Other words from interlock

  • in·ter·lock·er, noun
  • un·in·ter·locked, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for interlock

interlock

verb(ˌɪntəˈlɒk)
  1. to join or be joined firmly, as by a mutual interconnection of parts

noun(ˈɪntəˌlɒk)
  1. the act of interlocking or the state of being interlocked

  2. a device, esp one operated electromechanically, used in a logic circuit or electrical safety system to prevent an activity being initiated unless preceded by certain events

  1. a closely knitted fabric

adjective(ˈɪntəˌlɒk)
  1. (of fabric) closely knitted

Derived forms of interlock

  • interlocker, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012