Origin: Latin
prefix inter-
Interlock has 7 different meanings across 2 categories:
Noun
· Verb
Noun
1
a device that prevents an automotive engine from starting
"car theives know how to bypass the ignition interlock"
2
the act of interlocking or meshing
"an interlocking of arms by the police held the crowd in check"
3
A safety device that prevents activation in unsafe conditions.
"The machine won't start because its interlock detects a missing guard door and keeps the motor from engaging."
Verb
1
coordinate in such a way that all parts work together effectively
"The new management team worked to interlock their departments so that every part of the company functioned smoothly as a single unit."
2
hold in a locking position
"He locked his hands around her neck"
3
become engaged or intermeshed with one another
"They were locked in embrace"
4
To fit or clasp together securely.
"The puzzle pieces interlocked so tightly that they wouldn't budge even when I pulled them apart forcefully."
Example Sentences
"car theives know how to bypass the ignition interlock"
noun
"an interlocking of arms by the police held the crowd in check"
noun
"He locked his hands around her neck"
verb
"They were locked in embrace"
verb
Related Terms
Broader Terms (hypernyms)