interlock
/ˌɪntəˈlɒk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪntərˈlɑːk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌin-tər-ˈläk/ (ame, mw)
interlock — verb
- interlockpresent simple I / you / we / they
- interlockshe / she / it
- interlockedpast simple
- interlocking-ing form
1. to join firmly with another part, or to make parts join this way, so they hold e
to join firmly with another part, or to make parts join this way, so they hold each other in place or move together.
Defne interlocked the fence panels with steel clips before the storm.
interlock + panels + with + clips
The gears interlocked smoothly once the machine warmed up.
intransitive with machine parts
Tomás and Ezra interlocked fingers before the dance began.
Two bike lanes interlock near the bridge and share one light.
- mesh
often used for teeth, wires, or other parts that fit into a repeated pattern
- slot together
more common for simple pieces that fit into place during assembly
- link
broader and does not always suggest a tight physical fit
- separate
focuses on pulling the joined parts apart
- disconnect
often used when one linked part is removed from another
文法句型
A interlocks with B
interlock + fingers/arms/parts
interlock + panels/gears + with + clips or pins
用法筆記
Often describes parts that connect in a tight pattern, such as gears, fingers, or panels. In transitive use, the object is usually something with matching edges, teeth, or clips.
常見錯誤
interlock — noun
1. the state or action of parts fitting into each other closely so they stay joined
the state or action of parts fitting into each other closely so they stay joined or work as one.
The interlock of the bridge pieces kept the model steady on the table.
the interlock of + parts
Engineers tested the interlock between the bricks before opening the museum exhibit.
interlock between + pieces
Mira admired the tight interlock of the woven basket strips.
After the fall, the dentist checked the interlock of Hannah's teeth.
- gap
shows that the parts do not meet closely
- separation
focuses on parts no longer holding together
文法句型
the interlock of + teeth/parts/strips
tight interlock between + pieces
用法筆記
Usually appears in technical or descriptive writing about how parts, teeth, or woven pieces fit together. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense names the joined fit itself, not the safety device that controls another machine part.
2. a device or built-in system that stops one part from working until another part
a device or built-in system that stops one part from working until another part is in the right position or a safety condition is met.
The oven interlock cuts the power when the front panel is open.
interlock prevents operation until condition is met
A door interlock kept the lift from moving while Hoa loaded boxes.
door interlock kept + machine from moving
The lab's laser interlock failed, so the warning light stayed dark.
Before the ride starts, staff test each interlock on the safety gate.
- safety lock
close in meaning but often names a simpler locking part rather than a linked system
- cut-off
focuses on stopping power or movement, not on linked conditions
- override
lets the machine run even when the safety block is bypassed
文法句型
a/an + interlock + on + machine/door/gate
the interlock prevents/stops + action
用法筆記
Common in technical contexts involving doors, machines, lifts, or laboratory equipment. Unlike sense 1, this sense refers to the control mechanism, not the way two physical parts fit together.