Interlock refers to a system or mechanism where two or more components are connected in such a way that they cannot operate independently. This design is often used in machinery, safety devices, and construction to ensure that certain actions can only occur when specific conditions are met, enhancing safety and efficiency. In the context of software, interlock can describe a feature that prevents conflicting operations from happening simultaneously. For example, in computer programming, interlocks can help manage resources, ensuring that multiple processes do not interfere with each other, thus maintaining system stability and integrity.