interlock
gb/ˌɪntɚlˈɑk/ us/ˌɪntɚlˈɑk/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B2
action
1
fit together and lock
If two things interlock, they join together and hold tightly.
Usage pattern:
[things] interlock; [someone] interlocks [thing] with [thing]
Common mistake:
Don’t use *interlock* for simple contact or touching; it implies the parts lock/engage and stay together.
Synonyms
lock together (More general; does not always suggest overlapping parts.)
|
mesh (Common for gears/teeth fitting together.)
|
link (Often suggests connection rather than physical locking.)
Antonyms
separate (Move or keep the parts apart.)
|
disengage (Stop the parts from being engaged or meshed.)
Collocations
interlock fingers
|interlock hands
|interlock arms
|interlock gears
|interlock teeth
|interlock pieces
|interlock parts
|interlock blocks
|interlock tiles
|interlock bricks
Themes
daily_life
|materials
|engineering
Examples
- The two plastic pieces interlock to form a tight seal.
- She interlocked her fingers and rested her hands on the table.
- The gear teeth interlock smoothly when the machine is properly aligned.
Learner examples
- The blocks interlock.
- I interlocked my fingers.
Verb
C1
relation
2
be closely connected and dependent
If things interlock, they are connected and affect each other.
Usage pattern:
[things] interlock; [something] interlocks with [something]
Common mistake:
Avoid using *interlock* for a one-way connection; it usually implies mutual connection or mutual dependence.
Synonyms
interconnect (Neutral term for being connected; less emphasis on mutual dependence.)
|
intertwine (Suggests a complex or hard-to-separate relationship.)
|
overlap (Emphasizes shared parts rather than mutual functioning.)
Antonyms
operate independently (Work without affecting each other.)
|
disconnect (Remove the connection between parts or systems.)
Collocations
interlock closely
|interlock with
|interlock systems
|interlock processes
|interlock roles
|interlock functions
|interlock responsibilities
|interlock interests
|interlock factors
|interlock networks
Themes
business
|society
|systems
Examples
- The company’s supply chain and delivery schedule interlock, so one delay affects everything.
- In the report, economic and political pressures are shown to interlock.
- The teams’ responsibilities interlock, so they have to coordinate daily.
Learner examples
- These steps interlock.
- Our plans interlock, so we must work together.
Noun
technical
C1
entity
3
safety device that prevents operation
An interlock is a safety device that stops a machine from working in the wrong conditions.
Usage pattern:
an interlock; a [safety/door] interlock
Common mistake:
Don’t confuse *interlock* (a safety mechanism) with *lock* (a simple device for closing/locking).
Synonyms
safety switch (Broader; an interlock is specifically designed to prevent operation unless conditions are met.)
|
failsafe (General safety design; not necessarily a specific interlock device.)
Antonyms
override (A control that bypasses or defeats an interlock or restriction.)
|
bypass (A workaround that disables a safety stop (not a device itself).)
Collocations
safety interlock
|interlock switch
|door interlock
|interlock circuit
|interlock mechanism
|interlock system
|electrical interlock
|mechanical interlock
|interlock feature
|interlock protection
Themes
engineering
|safety
|technology
Examples
- The lab equipment has an interlock that shuts it down if the door is opened.
- Technicians discovered a faulty interlock switch on the machine guard.
- Never bypass the interlock during operation.
Learner examples
- The machine has an interlock.
- The interlock stops the machine.
Noun
formal
C1
abstract
4
a tight mutual connection
An interlock is a strong connection where parts work together.
Usage pattern:
the interlock between [things]; an interlock of [things]
Common mistake:
In this abstract noun sense, *interlock* is less common than *connection* or *link* in everyday speech.
Synonyms
interconnection (More common and more neutral.)
|
linkage (Often used in formal writing; focuses on the linking relationship.)
Antonyms
separation (Lack of connection or dependence.)
|
independence (No need to coordinate or fit with other parts.)
Collocations
interlock between
|interlock of interests
|interlock of systems
|interlock of factors
|close interlock
|complex interlock
|institutional interlock
|economic interlock
|political interlock
|social interlock
Themes
business
|society
|systems
Examples
- The study highlights the interlock between housing costs and local wages.
- There is a strong interlock of interests between the two industries.
- Their success depends on the interlock of design, marketing, and customer support.
Learner examples
- There is an interlock between these two systems.
Grammar
Dictionary form
interlock
IPA
GB/ˌɪntɚlˈɑk/
US/ˌɪntɚlˈɑk/
Syllables & stress
in - ter - lock (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ter)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: interlock
- Plural: interlock
Verb
- Base: interlock
- 3rd Person Singular: interlocks
- Present Participle: interlocking
- Past: interlocked
Word family
Expressions
interlock knit
1/ˌɪntɚlˈɑk nˈɪt/
fixed phrase
technical
double-knit fabric type
A soft, stretchy kind of knitted fabric.
Examples
- The brand uses interlock knit for a softer feel against the skin.
- These pajamas are made from interlock knit cotton.
- Interlock knit fabric holds its shape better than many single knits.
interlock your fingers
1/ˌɪntɚlˈɑk jˈʊɹ fˈɪŋɡɚz/
fixed phrase
lace fingers together
To join your fingers together from both hands.
Examples
- He interlocked his fingers and stretched his arms above his head.
- She interlocked her fingers behind her neck while she waited.
- Interlock your fingers and press your palms outward.
interlocking directorate
1/ˈɪntɚlˌɑkɪŋ dɪɹˈɛktɚˌeɪt/
fixed phrase
business
shared board members between companies
When the same person is a director in more than one company.
Examples
- Regulators examined whether an interlocking directorate reduced competition.
- The report lists interlocking directorates across the banking sector.
- The company agreed to end an interlocking directorate arrangement.