INTERLOCK

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does interlock mean? 

• INTERLOCK (noun)
  The noun INTERLOCK has 2 senses:

1. a device that prevents an automotive engine from starting

2. the act of interlocking or meshing

  Familiarity information: INTERLOCK used as a noun is rare.

• INTERLOCK (verb)
  The verb INTERLOCK has 3 senses:

1. coordinate in such a way that all parts work together effectively

2. hold in a locking position

3. become engaged or intermeshed with one another

  Familiarity information: INTERLOCK used as a verb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• INTERLOCK (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A device that prevents an automotive engine from starting

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

ignition interlock; interlock

Context example:

car theives know how to bypass the ignition interlock

Hypernyms ("interlock" is a kind of...):

device (an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose)

Sense 2

Meaning:

The act of interlocking or meshing

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

interlock; interlocking; mesh; meshing

Context example:

an interlocking of arms by the police held the crowd in check

Hypernyms ("interlock" is a kind of...):

catch; grab; snap; snatch (the act of catching an object with the hands)

Derivation:

interlock (coordinate in such a way that all parts work together effectively)

interlock (hold in a locking position)

• INTERLOCK (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they interlock    ... he / she / it interlocks   
Past simple: interlocked   
Past participle: interlocked   
-ing form: interlocking   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Coordinate in such a way that all parts work together effectively

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Synonyms:

interlock; mesh

Hypernyms (to "interlock" is one way to...):

coordinate; organise; organize (bring order and organization to)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

interlock (the act of interlocking or meshing)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Hold in a locking position

Classified under:

Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging

Synonyms:

interlace; interlock; lock

Context example:

He locked his hands around her neck

Hypernyms (to "interlock" is one way to...):

hold; take hold (have or hold in one's hands or grip)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s something PP

Derivation:

interlock (the act of interlocking or meshing)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Become engaged or intermeshed with one another

Classified under:

Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging

Synonyms:

interlock; lock

Context example:

They were locked in embrace

Hypernyms (to "interlock" is one way to...):

bosom; embrace; hug; squeeze (hold (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s

Derivation:

interlocking (the act of interlocking or meshing)

 Context examples 

The sea is Earth's most formidable carbon dioxide storage machine, but mysteries abound about the interlocking processes and the myriad organisms involved.

(Research provides new view of the critical role of plankton in marine carbon storage, National Science Foundation)

The night before they had lain with their wheels interlocking and their shafts under each other’s bodies, as thick as they could fit, from the old church to the Crawley Elm, spanning the road five-deep for a good half-mile in length.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)