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

However, when the roof closes, the interlocking pieces form the Mercedes-Benz logo. —Irene Wright, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

The intricate, interlocking scalloped pattern on this Oasi bath towel reminds me of traditional Moroccan design. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2026

Noun

The kind of ignition interlock device that people charged with DUIs are routinely required to get costs about $75 to $150 to install and roughly $100 a month to monitor. —ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026

In these structures, the semiconductor and insulator interlock more strongly instead of remaining loosely attached. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 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
• isopach
• manioc
• shuttlecock
• tomahawk
• weathercock
• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock

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