interlock

I1N1T1E1R1L1O1C3K5
/ˌɪntə(ɹ)ˈlɒk//ˈɪntə(ɹ)ˌlɒk/

verb

To fit or clasp together securely.

“The demonstrator couldn't figure out why the machine wouldn't work, until he remembered that there was an interlock so it wouldn't operate with the cover open.”

Less commonScrabble 15

Meanings

verbinterlock (third-person singular simple present interlocks, present participle interlocking, simple past and past participle interlocked)

present singular third person interlocks · participle present interlocking · participle past interlocked · past interlocked

  1. ambitransitiveTo fit or clasp together securely.
nouninterlock (plural interlocks)

plural interlocks

  1. A safety device that prevents activation in unsafe conditions.

    The demonstrator couldn't figure out why the machine wouldn't work, until he remembered that there was an interlock so it wouldn't operate with the cover open.

    1 more example

    Features such as trackless doors, mercury-type door interlocks, roof-mounted door fault indicator lights, rubber window glazing, improved retractable shoegear and a modified electro-pneumatic brake system designed to facilitate maintenance and improve reliability, which have proved their worth on the prototype trains, are continued in the new stock.

    1960 February, “The first of London's new Piccadilly Line trains is delivered”, in Trains Illustrated, page 94

Synonyms & antonyms

nouna device that prevents an automotive engine from starting

Broader

nounthe act of interlocking or meshing

verbcoordinate in such a way that all parts work together effectively

Similar

verbhold in a locking position

Broader

verbbecome engaged or intermeshed with one another

Similar

Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Origin

  1. Proto-Indo-European*h₁én
  2. Proto-Indo-European*h₁n̥tér
  3. Proto-Italic*n̥ter
  4. Latininter
  5. Latininter-
  6. Englishinter-
  7. Proto-Indo-European*lewg-
  8. Proto-Germanic*luką
  9. Proto-West Germanic*lok
  10. Old Englishloc
  11. Middle Englishlok
  12. Englishlock
  13. Englishinterlock

From inter- + lock.

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

Bulgarian блокирам, свързвам
  • блокирам (blokiram)To fit or clasp together securely
  • свързвам (svărzvam)To interlace
  • съединявам (săedinjavam)To interlace
Chinese Mandarin 互鎖 /互锁
  • 互鎖 /互锁safety device
German verschränken, Verriegelung
  • verschränkenTo interlace
  • Verriegelungsafety device
Norwegian Bokmål forrigling
  • forriglingsafety device
Spanish engranar, endentar
  • engranarTo interlace
  • endentarTo interlace
  • encastrarTo interlace
  • entrelazarTo interlace
  • entretejerTo interlace
  • bloqueosafety device
  • trabasafety device
Cite this entry
APA

interlock. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/interlock

MLA

“interlock.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/interlock. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “interlock,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/interlock.

Source: interlock on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.