Skip to main content
interlocking

interlocking

4 5.5
Fitting parts together so they move as one
  • noun
  • /ˌɪntərˈlɑːkɪŋ/
translation icon : encaje
  • The project, called "Landscape and Life: Appropriate Scales for Sustainable Development" (LLASS), had several interlocking aims.
  • interlocking directorates
  • interlocking systems
  • interlocking pieces

And then just to put my own little gloss on things, you, you talked about this very important interlocking between meta ethics and ethics.

Examples

  • I want to thank all three of you for bringing different but interlocking issues on the table.

  • So to me it is significant that the volume should end with these two stories, these interlocking stories too.

  • How shall we try to understand these interlocking concerns and tensions?

    Academic text (1993)
  • Then they grasp a whole set of interlocking ideas all at once, and it's like watching the lights come on.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • People talk about an elaborate mosaic of interlocking local societies.

  • The surgeon may use interlocking screws for better stability, depending on the location of the fracture.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Two interlocking themes have permeated each of these quasiparadigms of development and regime type.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Thus, the Committee for Religion was effectively stymied in addressing the interlocking crises of religion.

    Academic text (1996)
  • The situation illustrates, in Muensterberger's neat phrase, "the interlocking of biological needs and environmental conditions."

    Academic text (1999)
  • The puzzle consists of many interlocking pieces that fit together to create a complete picture.

Synonyms

linkage
vsinterlocking
26 3.9

A connection between things, for example air pollution and disease

is the specific close fitting that stops independent movement
coupling
vsinterlocking
  • Specialized
25 5.3

A device that connects two machine parts so they move together

focuses on close fit causing unified or restricted movement
engagement
vsinterlocking
  • Specialized
10 7.1

One part fitting into another so they work together

is the tight coordinated fitting that makes parts move together
bonding
vsinterlocking
9 3.0

Joining two things so they stay firmly together

may join firmly but not always by tight fits that lock movement
interconnection
vsinterlocking
7 4.4

A group of things linked so they work together and change each other

is narrower stressing the tight fit making movement unified
mesh
vsinterlocking
4 4.7

A close connection between parts or people that work together

emphasizes the coordinated motion from close fitting
interlacing
vsinterlocking
3 5.3

The act of weaving things together to make a pattern

is focused on parts fitting so they move as one rather than just weaving
fixation
vsinterlocking
2 6.0

Fastening something so it stays in one position

differs by requiring tight fitted parts that move as one
fastening
vsinterlocking
2 3.9

A thing that holds two parts together so they stay secure

focuses on close fitting that prevents independent movement rather than general securing
interlock
vsinterlocking
1 5.7

The way parts join so they fit tightly and move together

is specifically about tight fitting so parts move as one
interlinkage
vsinterlocking
1 6.1

A connection between things or systems that makes them affect each other

is more about physical tight fitting that binds motion
meshing
vsinterlocking
  • Specialized
7.1

Parts with teeth fitting together so they turn smoothly

is wider covering tight fits causing unified movement
interdigitation
vsinterlocking
  • Specialized
9.6

A way parts fit together like interlocking fingers

shows close fingerlike fit causing parts to move as one
intertwinement
vsinterlocking
7.0

Things twisted and woven together so they are closely connected

is specifically about tight fit that enforces unified movement
entwinement
vsinterlocking
7.2

A state in which things are twisted or woven closely together

is about fitting that causes parts to move as a single unit
connexion
vsinterlocking
  • Archaic
9.9

A way of joining two things so they can send power or information

is the tight physical fit making parts act together not just linking

Antonyms

89 2.6

The process of moving apart or staying apart

Being separate from people, things, or contact, for example losing internet

How Interlocked

integration
47 4.0
interlocking
4 5.5
connection
  • Specialized
60 3.3
contact
371 1.0
separation
89 2.6

Surface Forms

interlocking singular
interlockings plural

Morphology

interlocking = interlock (transparent) = inter + lock + ing

Formed by adding productive suffix '-ing' to 'interlock' (inter- + lock), a clear and regular verbal nominalization/participle.

Etymology

Interlocking comes from the parts inter- 'between' and lock 'to fasten'. Think of two gears or toy blocks that fit and 'lock' between each other, so interlocking as a noun is the act of fitting pieces closely so they move as one.