Anglais

interlock

gb/ˌɪntɚlˈɑk/ us/ˌɪntɚlˈɑk/
B2 Anglais
Sens
0 sens
Verbe B2 action
1

fit together and lock

If two things interlock, they join together and hold tightly.

Schéma d’usage : [things] interlock; [someone] interlocks [thing] with [thing]
Erreur fréquente :
Don’t use *interlock* for simple contact or touching; it implies the parts lock/engage and stay together.
Synonymes
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.)
Antonymes
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
Thèmes
daily_life |materials |engineering
Exemples
  • 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
  • The blocks interlock.
  • I interlocked my fingers.
Verbe C1 relation
2

be closely connected and dependent

If things interlock, they are connected and affect each other.

Schéma d’usage : [things] interlock; [something] interlocks with [something]
Erreur fréquente :
Avoid using *interlock* for a one-way connection; it usually implies mutual connection or mutual dependence.
Synonymes
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.)
Antonymes
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
Thèmes
business |society |systems
Exemples
  • 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
  • These steps interlock.
  • Our plans interlock, so we must work together.
Nom 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.

Schéma d’usage : an interlock; a [safety/door] interlock
Erreur fréquente :
Don’t confuse *interlock* (a safety mechanism) with *lock* (a simple device for closing/locking).
Synonymes
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.)
Antonymes
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
Thèmes
engineering |safety |technology
Exemples
  • 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
  • The machine has an interlock.
  • The interlock stops the machine.
Nom formal C1 abstract
4

a tight mutual connection

An interlock is a strong connection where parts work together.

Schéma d’usage : the interlock between [things]; an interlock of [things]
Erreur fréquente :
In this abstract noun sense, *interlock* is less common than *connection* or *link* in everyday speech.
Synonymes
interconnection (More common and more neutral.) | linkage (Often used in formal writing; focuses on the linking relationship.)
Antonymes
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
Thèmes
business |society |systems
Exemples
  • 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
  • There is an interlock between these two systems.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
interlock
API
GB/ˌɪntɚlˈɑk/
US/ˌɪntɚlˈɑk/
Syllabes et accentuation
in - ter - lock (3 syllabes)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ter)
Formes du mot
Noun
  • Base: interlock
  • Plural: interlock
Verb
  • Base: interlock
  • 3rd Person Singular: interlocks
  • Present Participle: interlocking
  • Past: interlocked
Famille de mots
Forms
interlocks verb interlocking verb interlocked verb
Related words
lock verb A1 locker noun A2
Negative and opposite forms
unlock verb A2
Advanced or less common
lockable adjective
Expressions

interlock knit

1
/ˌɪntɚlˈɑk nˈɪt/
fixed phrase technical

double-knit fabric type

A soft, stretchy kind of knitted fabric.

Exemples
  • 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.

Exemples
  • 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.

Exemples
  • 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.

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