interlock
B2Neutral to formal; common in technical, mechanical, and organizational contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To fit together securely so that parts become connected or dependent on each other.
The state or process of being joined in a coordinated or mutually dependent way; can refer to physical components, systems, ideas, or schedules.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily denotes a reciprocal or mutual connection where each part depends on the other to function or remain secure. Often implies precision and intentional design.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The noun form (e.g., 'an interlock') might be slightly more common in American technical/engineering contexts.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Suggests reliability, safety, and integrated design.
Frequency
Moderate and comparable frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] interlock[Subject] interlock with [Object][Subject] and [Subject] interlockVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Interlocking directorates (business)”
- “Fingers interlocked (hand-holding)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to interconnected systems, mutually dependent departments, or overlapping board memberships.
Academic
Used to describe interdependent theories, interlocking systems of oppression (sociology), or interlocking molecules.
Everyday
Common for describing puzzle pieces, knitting patterns, or clasped hands.
Technical
Key term in engineering (interlocking gears), safety systems (interlock switch), computing, and construction (interlocking bricks).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The two parts must interlock perfectly for the mechanism to work.
- Their holiday schedules interlocked conveniently, allowing them to travel together.
American English
- The puzzle pieces interlock tightly.
- Our project timelines interlock with the marketing department's launch plan.
adverb
British English
- The bricks were laid interlockingly to create a strong wall.
American English
- The gears fit together interlockingly.
adjective
British English
- They bought interlocking paving stones for the garden path.
- The report revealed an interlocking set of problems.
American English
- The system has an interlocking safety feature.
- She wore a necklace with an interlocking design.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children's toy has big, safe, interlocking blocks.
- The two roads interlock at the new roundabout.
- Hold hands and interlock your fingers.
- The economies of the two nations are deeply interlocked.
- A safety interlock prevents the machine from starting if the guard is open.
- The film explores the interlocking narratives of three characters from different eras.
- A complex web of interlocking agreements governs the alliance.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two LOCKs that are INTERtwined; they INTERLOCK.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTION IS PHYSICAL INTERLOCKING (e.g., 'Their destinies were interlocked').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'блокировать' (to block). Better equivalents: 'сцепляться', 'взаимосвязываться', 'состыковываться'. The noun 'interlock' can be 'сцепление', 'блокировочное устройство'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'interlock' for a simple, one-way connection (e.g., 'The plug interlocks into the socket' – better: 'The plug fits into the socket'). Confusing with 'interlink' (which is more abstract).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'interlock' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is commonly used as both a verb and an adjective (interlocking). The noun form is less frequent but standard in technical contexts (e.g., 'a safety interlock').
'Interlock' implies a physical or mechanical fitting together, often for stability or safety. 'Interconnect' is broader, often referring to abstract systems, networks, or ideas being linked, and doesn't imply a precise physical fit.
Yes, metaphorically or physically. E.g., 'Their fates were interlocked' (metaphorical) or 'The dancers interlocked their arms' (physical).
Yes. The regular past tense and past participle is 'interlocked'. E.g., 'The pieces interlocked perfectly.' / 'They had interlocked their schedules.'
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