interlocked

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

in•ter•lock /ˌɪntɚˈlɑk/   v. 

1. to fit into each other, as in machinery, so that various parts work together: [no object]
   The gears interlock with the teeth and turn the wheels at different speeds.
   [~ + object]
   to interlock the parts together.
2. to interweave, interlace, or interrelate, one with another: [no object]
   The branches of the trees interlock to form an archway.
   [~ + object]
   They interlocked their arms and walked off.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

in•ter•lock  (v. in′tər lok′, in′tər lok′;n. in′tər lok′), v.i. 

1. to fit into each other, as parts of machinery, so that all action is synchronized.
2. to interweave or interlace, one with another:
   The branches of the trees interlock to form a natural archway.
3. Rail Transport (of switches, signals, etc.) to operate together in a prearranged order.

v.t. 

4. to lock one with another.
5. to fit (parts) together to ensure coordinated action.
6. Rail Transport to arrange (switches, signals, etc.) to effect a predetermined sequence of movement.

n. 

7. the fact or condition of interlocking or of being interlocked.
8. Communications the existence or an instance of an interlocking directorate.
9. Mechanical Engineering a device for preventing a mechanism from being set in motion when another mechanism is in such a position that the two operating simultaneously might produce undesirable results.
10. Automotive Also called ignition interlock. a device or system that prevents an automotive engine from starting until the seat belt for any occupied front seat is fastened.
11. Textiles a stretch fabric made with a circular knitting machine having two alternating sets of long and short needles.
12. Cinema [Motion Pictures.] a device for synchronizing the action of a camera and sound recorder.

• inter- + lock¹ 1625–35

in′ter•lock′er, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

interlock verb / ˌɪntəˈlɒk/

1. to join or be joined firmly, as by a mutual interconnection of parts

noun / ˈɪntəˌlɒk/

1. the act of interlocking or the state of being interlocked
2. a device, esp one operated electromechanically, used in a logic circuit or electrical safety system to prevent an activity being initiated unless preceded by certain events
3. a closely knitted fabric

adjective / ˈɪntəˌlɒk/

1. (of fabric) closely knitted

ˈinterˌlocker noun