interlock

About 0.39 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. verb To fit or clasp together securely.
2. verb To interlace.
3. noun A safety device that prevents activation in unsafe conditions.

   The demonstrator couldn't figure out why the machine wouldn't work, until he remembered that there was an interlock so it wouldn't operate with the cover open.

Similar words

lock meshing interlace mesh locking lock-up lock-out tier blockade hook

Often followed by

with and in to the system is between of

Word family

interlocked interlocking interlocks