brain lock

noun

variants: or brain-lock or brainlock \ ˈbrān-ˌläk \

Definition of brain lock

chiefly US, informal

: a condition of temporary confusion, indecision, or mental paralysis … an outbreak of brain lock has spread through the award's nominating committee …— Seth Davis, Sports Illustrated, 31 Jan. 2000 But Hasselbeck wasn't the only Seahawk who suffered brainlock on Sunday; teammates made three or four other dumb plays …— Peter King, Publishers Weekly, 25 Oct. 2004

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The first known use of brain lock was in 1934

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